#i already strained my back helping mom in and out of 2 cabs and the chair in the waiting room and etc etc

[naomiknight-17]

Just got home from escorting Mom to the dentist, and I was about to head downstairs and Mom was like "Oh, I think I need to change my glucometer tonight can you help with that? It expires in 5 hours" and I shouted over my shoulder to my brother

"Hey Duck! It's your turn!" And closed the door behind me. Mom laughed. I wasn't joking

Duck lives with mom. I have shown him how to change her wearable glucometer thing. I'm exhausted and I have cardiac rehab starting tomorrow. He can take a turn stabbing a new sensor into her arm

[theatrelove3000]

Breathe, Darling

This is a break between You are my Sunshine parts 1 and 2. It is still super angsty but more of Loki helping Noelle get through her mother’s passing. There is mention of a few musicals (Phantom of the Opera and Sweeney Todd)

Find part 3 here

Summary: The day after Noelle’s mother’s passing, Loki tries his best to help Noelle get through losing her best friend.

Warning: Mentions of death, anxiety attacks, depression, other sad boi things.

Breathe, Darling

Noelle PoV:

In the mornings, I usually wake up slowly. I don't suddenly open my eyes and I'm awake. It takes more than that.

Not today apparently.

Today I jolt awake. I feel like every muscle and bone is aching. My eyes are sore and hurting. I wait to open my eyes. I don't want to be awake yet. I don't want to go to training, I don't want Loki to let me go. I run one of my hands along his arm that is draped around my waist and the other smoothing the cotton sheets under me.

Wait a minute.

Cotton? My sheets are satin. Loki's are silk. Where am I?

My eyes snap open and I take in my surroundings. I'm in my bedroom in my mom's apartment on Midgard. When did I-.

Oh gods.

It all comes flooding back to me: the hospital, the singing, the arms pulling me away from her... oh norns.

"Noelle?" Loki mutters quietly. His voice is tired, like he didn't sleep. He probably hasn't.

I don't answer him. I just pull away from him and stand up. I look around my room for a moment before calmly walking to the bathroom and emptying the contents of my stomach.

I feel one of his hands on my back and the other pulling my hair back. I sit back and lean my body against the cool walls. Loki leaves for a moment and comes back with a water bottle and a Sprite that he sets on the counter. He opens the bottle and hands it to me. I do what he wants without him having to ask. I sip at the water, trying to sooth the burning of acid in my throat.

He sits beside me, running his fingers through my hair. We don't speak. We sit in silence on the bathroom floor. I don't cry, I don't feel. I just... exist. I drink my water and breathe. I stare off into space. No thoughts running through my head.

Nothing.

Loki takes a deep breath like he is going to speak but changes his mind. Instead, he takes my hand in his and puts it over his heart, running his thumb over my knuckles. I feel his heartbeat, his breathing. I suddenly feel everything all at once.

I want to scream. I want to cry. I want to break something. I want to hit someone. It's all I can think about. Momma. Momma. Momma.

He seems to know exactly what I need in that moment. His arms wrap around my waist gently and pull me over into his lap. He moves over so he sits basically in the corner between the wall and the tub, pulling his knees up slightly to give the effect that he was walling me from the world. It works.

I sob into his shoulder, crying absolutely uncontrollably. Muttering nonsense and trying to let it all out all at once. He sits there and rocks me, letting me weep as he murmurs soothing things in my ears. I don't really understand them, since he is speaking Norse, but I get the gist of it.

As the sobs turn to hiccups, he slowly lifts me and carries me back to bed. He doesn't even release me when we get there, just sits on the bed and maneuvers us so that I lay on top of him, head on his chest so I can feel his breathing. Feeling him breathe normally helps me regulate my own breathing.

I fall asleep soon after that and wake up again in the afternoon sometime. Loki greets me with a small smile and a kiss on my forehead.

"Hello, darling."

I take a deep breath and sit up slowly. He moves with me, dragging himself up to lean on the headboard. I straddle his lap, hands on the side of his neck, his on my waist. I close my eyes and lean my forehead against his.

I feel bad. I know he is worried about me; I can feel it pulsing around him.

"It's alright, love. I don't mind you showing your emotions to me. If fact I would prefer it if you continue to do so. Please don't shut me out. Let me help you through this." He strokes my cheek softly with his fingertips.

I open my eyes to his emerald green ones. I feel my eyes fill with tears, but I don't think I'm going to sob this time.

"I can't stay here." I rasp out, voice strained from sleep and lack of use.

He gives me a slightly confused look.

"I can't stay in this place, with her things, our memories. Our lives together."

Realization crosses his features, "Okay. I will find us a place to stay, you pack some things." He moves me off of him gently and stands from the bed, stretching his back and raising his arms over his head. I watch the muscles in his back and shoulders move. He's so pretty.

He chuckles "Thank you, Angel."

I give him a small smile and watch him leave the room before getting up myself. I pull a suitcase down from the top shelf in my closet and start to put some clothes in. When Loki returns, I have changed into a pair of light denim jeans full of rips and a white sweater.

"We have a reservation at Hotel Le Jolie. We have no checkout date so we may stay as long as you like." He walks over to me and slides one hand behind my neck and the other on my waist. He hands me my Sprite from this morning, already open. I take a sip of it, relishing in the sweet burning of it.

"Loki, I can't afford-"

"Perhaps you can't, but I can."

I raise an eyebrow at him. "Uh, how?"

"Odin has always kept a bit of the currency of each realm in case it is needed. In this case, I think it is a necessity." He lets his fingers barely rest on my body, letting me decide if I want to be touched or not. I am conflicted on that front. On one hand, I love his hands and his touch soothes me but on the other I am doing my best not to pull away from the world like I did when I thought Loki died. But Gods do I want to.

He smiles at me, sensing my inner turmoil, and moves his hands to just hold one of my own. The perfect compromise. I look up at him gratefully as he brings out intertwined hands to his mouth and gently kisses my fingers.

"Okay. Um. You- while I love your current outfit, only I am allowed to see you like this so you have to change." I tell him. How I am able to crack jokes right now is beyond me.

He chuckles and looks down at his apparel. He is in only my dad's old black sleep pants. No shirt.

"Hmm. I suppose you're right." He kisses my forehead. His eyes are concerned, the way his eyebrows pull together prove that theory.

"I'm alright, Loki."

"No, you are not."

"No, I'm not. But I will be. You will help me get there." I run my hands over his chest, grounding myself. We have been working on that together. Whenever one of us is about to break down or have an anxiety attack, we talk each other down.

He must feel the anxiety and grief well up again because he moves us so I sit on the edge of my bed and he crouches in front of me. "Eyes on me, love." I make eye contact but start to hyperventilate. “Don’t fight your lungs, darling. Let your body work.” I do as he asks, trying to shut the pain out before it crushes me. "Tell me five things you can see."

"Purple duvet, black hair, stuffed dog, my dagger, white walls. Could you hand me the dog please?" He nods and grabs the stuffed toy. I hug it to my chest and try to breathe.

"Very good, my dear. Now, four things you can feel."

"The fur on the toy, the cotton of the covers, the carpet under my feet, the skin on your chest."

"You're doing so well, darling. So well. Three things you can hear."

"Your voice, the footsteps of the neighbors, the cars honking outside."

"Well done. Two things you can smell."

I breathe deeply to find something. "My momma. And you."

He sighs and moves his hand to my cheek, reminding me I'm not alone. "Last one. One thing you can taste."

I close my eyes, "The Sprite."

"Very good, minn elska. Very well done." He wraps his arms around my and brings me to his chest as I listen to his heart. We sit like that for a few minutes before I pull away and wipe my eyes. He looks at me sympathetically. "You continue packing. I will go in search of some appropriate clothing to wear." I nod and he stands, pulling me up with him.

I watch him leave and continue my packing. I don't need a lot, but then again, I don't know how long we will be staying there. I guess I could always come back for stuff. Or send Loki. Odin knows he has better fashion sense than I do. As I am going through my closet, I find the box of clothes we left here for Loki for when we come to visit.

"Loki!" I call out to him. He is by my side in an instant. "You don't need to wear my father's clothes. I found the stuff we bought for you last time we were here."

He looks relieved, "Wonderful! In truth, I completely forgot about that. I am glad we have that sorted, as well as additional clothing for the rest of the time we are here."

I nod along with him as I continue going through my drawers and closet to find more options.

"Noelle!" He touches my waist. I jump at the sudden contact. "Did you hear me?"

"What? Um. No, sorry. What did you say?"

His eyebrows knit together again, "I asked if you wanted to eat before we left. I assume you want to bathe when we get there, or else you would have done so before dressing."

"Oh! Uh, let's go somewhere for food. Or we can order a pizza and have it delivered to the hotel."

"Alright." He releases my waist and starts helping fold the clothes I pulled out and places them in the suitcase. I pull out the box of his clothes and put it on my bed for him to go through and choose what he wants.

When we finish packing, we collect our things and head out to the street where Loki flags a cab. He opens the door for me and helps me in then puts the bags in the boot. He tells the driver where to go before sitting back in the seat and wrapping an arm around my shoulders. He presses his lips to my temple and mutters softly in my ear the whole time.

When we pull up to the hotel, Loki gets out and hands the bags to the bellhop while I pay the driver. He opens the door for me and stands there waiting before offering his hand to me to help me out. I thought he would just drop it but he surprises me by maneuvering it to rest my hand in the crook of his elbow to escort me into the lobby. We get our keys and take the elevator up.

"I have a kind of insensitive question." I say quietly.

His body tenses slightly but he covers it well. "Yes, darling?"

"How did they not recognize you? You were all over the news only a year ago and forgive me for saying this but it wasn't for a good reason."

He nods along to my musings. "The answer is a simple one. I am using an illusion to appear different to everyone but yourself."

"Oh."

He chuckles as he unlocks the door to the room and ushers me in. Our bags are already there. Good.

"Do you wish to bathe or eat?" He puts his hands on my waist from behind and puts his chin on my shoulder.

"I can order the pizza and take a shower while we wait." He nods in agreement and let's me go to order the pizza.

One shower and 6 slices later, I feel a little better. At least, I feel more numb. Which is good and bad. Loki doesn't take his eyes off me for more than 2 minutes the moment I come out of the bathroom with dripping hair and my pyjama pants with a tanktop.

We are sitting on the floor eating in silence. He keeps me in his line of vision the whole time.

"What time is it?"

Loki looks at the digital clock beside the bed. "8:38."

I nod thoughtfully. Maybe we could watch a movie.

"Whatever you wish to do, we can do, my darling." He reaches over and tucks a lock of damp hair behind my ear. I nod again and start to stand up to get into bed but Loki gets to me first. He lifts me up and puts me on the bed. Normally, I would squeal and protest and giggle but I'm just so... detached.

He tucks me in and changes put of his own clothes to the black pyjama pants and climbs in after me. He wraps his arms around my torso and pulls me to his side, keeping his grip on me loose enough for me to pull away but apparent enough to tell me he is there. I curl into his side to let him know it was okay to hold onto me. He does so willingly, handing me the remote as he does so.

I decide to cast a movie from my library on my phone to the tv so we don't have to pay for one. After a few minutes of debating with myself, I pick the 25th Anniversary of Phantom of the Opera. I cuddle in closer and put my head on his chest. He absentmindedly threads his fingers through my hair.

Around the time we get to Music of the Night, I realize that our positioning has changed. I'm sitting between his legs with my back to him and he is playing with my hair. I let it go and immerse myself in the show. I feel his hands brushing my shoulders along with something soft and cold. I look over at him and the cold feeling and see a braid draped over my shoulder.

"You know how to braid?" I ask in amazement, inspecting the perfectly formed braid.

"Of course I do. You met my mother. And my brother. You can imagine how hard it was for Thor to braid his own hair. I used to practice on him when we were young. Mother taught me." He smiles, proud of his handiwork. "Though I will admit, it's been a few centuries since I have done a braid on someone else."

"I never would have known. Thank you." He kisses my temple and I sit back against him, his arms going around my body again. I must fall asleep soon after that because I suddenly jump and notice that I am in a different position and the movie is farther progressed that it should be after a blink.

I feel Loki next to me, his hand on my hip, reminding me of his presence. I look over my shoulder at him and watch him watch the screen.

I gave you my music; made your song take wing; and now, how you've repaid me; denied me and betrayed me.

Loki is completely enraptured by the show. I notice the little crinkle between his eyebrows he gets when he is focusing hard on something.

He was bound to love you; when he heard you sing!

He subconsciously tightens his grasp on me for a moment, squeezing my hip as though assuring himself that I'm still there.

He closes his eyes and takes a breath, trying to hold back his tears. Whether he recognizes it or not, the past two days have been taxing for him as well. I have to remember that as well.

Say you'll share with me one love; one lifetime; Say the word and I will follow you; Share with me each night each morning.

His eyes snap open at the change in volume in the song. He audibly gasps when the chandelier explodes. He takes a breath as 'intermission' appears across the screen. Loki's gaze lands on me as he notices me watching him. I give him a small smile and he pulls himself down to my level, dragging me to his chest. I turn around to rest my head on the place where his shoulder connects to the rest of his body and watch the rest of the show with him.

You will curse the day you did not do; All that the Phantom asked of you!

I turn on Sweeney Todd afterward. I knew he wouldn't be sleeping for a while and could appreciate the brutality and homicide in that specific show.

I fall asleep curled up against my god, warm in his embrace.

[veganmikehanlon]

10 and 25 for hanbrough if you please! otherwise any pairing will do ♥

you know that thing where u can’t even search ur own blog for something you /literally/ tagged? this was something like…idk something but it reminded me of something i already wrote so i Really have no reason for not posting it sooner other than procrastination being my middle name so anyways, this:

Mike doesn’t mean to start writing a sex scene while sitting in a Starbucks, but he’d tried writing at home, well it’s just his parents house now, and his mom kept walking in trying to talk to him. So he left the old farmhouse and drove into his newly modernized hometown of good ol’ Derry, Maine.

It’d started with a piece of his story inspiring a memory from his own sex life. Something he’d done forever ago with an ex. Secretly, in a tent. Surrounded by friends. Not their most shining moment but it was hot and applicable to his current story.

He’s in the middle of writing about tongues sliding together when his eyes are drawn to the sound of the shop door opening. He almost chokes when he sees who it is walking in. Well, daydream about sex with your ex and he shall appear. Mike ducks behind his things to hide because he’s panicking.

Mike watches Bill walk to the counter, he observes the broad lines of his shoulders move under familiar flannel; and how the end of his short blond french braid, mostly held together by multi-colored bobby-pins, brushes the collar in a physical reminder of how long it’s been since they’ve seen each other.

He walks through the room with the same gentle confidence that he always had, and it still draws the same admiring gazes from those around him. Mike’s eyes flicker between Bill and his computer screen, the incriminating words screaming at him, and then he catches sight of Bills’ smile and the perfect adjective pops into his head.

Just like that he’s writing again, more caught up in his story than he’s been in the last 30 minutes. Words stream from his fingertips and a scene unfolds, bits and pieces of Mike’s past slipping through, and just as he’s writing a description of how exciting it is to make someone moan as loud as you can make them laugh, he’s interrupted.

“Hi,” a soft voice calls, startling Mike from his head making him jump and hit his knees against the table, a move that almost sends his coffee toppling, but two pairs of hands shoot out to catch the wobbling cup. Bills’ hand settles warmly over Mike’s before he draws it back with an awkward chuckle.

A shiver runs through Mike as Bill’s fingers brush over his knuckles, and he looks up at the man before him with wide eyes. “Hi,” he squeaks, this entire situation sending him careening out of his comfort zone. Bill clears his throat before speaking (an old habit) “sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” he says with a wince.

Mike chuckles nervously, his voice coming out a bit high and strained, “it’s okay I was just, um, writing.” This might be the most uncomfortable he’s ever been in his life. But Bill looks excited and he falls into the chair opposite Mike, setting his coffee and a notebook down on the open space.

“You’re writing?” He asks, a smile spreading across his face, and Mike has to smile back because oh yeah, they’d once shared everything with each other and Bill knows all about Mikes’ commitment-phobia to writing.

Mike quickly switches programs, an attempt at putting the niggling guilt in his chest away. “Yeah, just this story for this thing,” he answers vaguely, and they pause for an awkward second before Bill starts to ramble. “I’ve been working on drawing (a sentence that makes Mike proud too), I’m in a portrait class right now at school, and I came here to people watch and I saw you, and I was wondering if you’d mind if I practiced drawing you?”

Mike gasps softly in surprise at the request, “uh, what? You want to draw me?” The words fall from his mouth without his input, any functional part of his brain currently caught in a dumpster fire, set by this stupid story that is making an already uncomfortable situation of running into an ex just that much worse!

And then Bill is talking again, “well my art style has changed and I thought it’d be cool to get a comparison, you  know, a then and now? It’s cool if you don’t want me to, no biggie, just thought I’d ask, but actually? Never mind,” he starts gathering his things into his arms, “sorry for bothering you, it was nice seeing you, bye!”

He starts to get up but stops when Mike bursts out laughing, his cheeks reddening, and he stays frozen uncomfortably. And Mike doesn’t mean to, but seeing Bill so obviously out of his comfort zone has him cracking up, the situation making him feel hysterical, and he can’t quite stop the laughter bubbling out.

Mike manages enough words to get Bill to settle back down. “Hey man it’s cool, it’s good seeing you too, you know me, I love to help.” Bill settles back into the seat and flips his sketchbook open with an eye roll. Mike can’t help but tease him, he starts shifting through different dramatic poses, making Bill laugh loudly. A hand behind his head, his bicep bulging, Thinking Man pose, his smile barely suppressed-

And Mike ends his display by lewdly flicking his tongue between his fingers. “Jesus Mike!” Bill sputters out between laughs and Mike raises his hands in an innocent gesture, his own laughs ringing out through the space between them. “Sorry, I’m done!” He surrenders with an amused snort.

Bill sticks his tongue out childishly at him and flips the pages of his notebook to a blank page, “just go back to what you were doing weirdo,” he says softly and Mike lets out another laugh before following his directions. Well, not exactly since he’d literally been writing about his and Bill’s sex life. Oops.

He fucks around on his computer for a bit, opening and closing a few homework assignments (yeah right like he’d be able to concentrate right now), editing bits and pieces in other stories, he even plays a couple rounds of solitaire. But his attention is scattered after three lattes (that’s 2…4…6 espresso shots) and the adrenaline rushing through him from Bill sitting across from him drawing him which requires Bill to look at him with his blue as fuck eyes-

“Hey you wanna go somewhere?” The question bursts from Mike and he cringes at the abruptness. “Wait, you’re drawing, never mind,” Mike amends with a shake of his head. But Bill just flips his book closed with a simple “yep,” and starts chugging the last bit of his coffee.

Mike packs up quickly and, swinging his backpack over his shoulders, follows Bill out of the shop.

“Holy shit, is that Silver?” Mike exclaims incredulously when they walk outside. Bill laughs and leads the way to the old bike where it’s locked up by the building. “Yeah, Georgie didn’t wanna give up the car, so I’m stuck with her.” Bill explains. Mike runs a hand over the handlebars with a small smile, “seems smaller than she used to,” he comments, nostalgia rushing through him. Bill hums in agreement, “easier to handle too,” he comments steadily belaying the nervous shake in his next words, “and still big e-e-enough to ruh-ride double.”

Mike grins excitedly, “why Mr. Denbrough, are you going to show me a good time around town?” Bill’s face lights up with a wide grin and giggling, he unlocks his bike quickly, “it’d be my puh-pleasure, Mr. Hanlon.” They drop their things in Mike’s truck before racing recklessly out of the parking lot, Bill pedaling frantically and Mike hanging on tight to his waist, praying he doesn’t go flying off the back of the bike.

It’s weird spending all day with an ex, but they’d been best friends for just as long as they dated, and it’s as easy as it’s always been. They ride through the streets of Derry just like when they were kids, taking turns too fast and speeding over bumps. Mike’s teeth click together but it barely registers over the barrage of other sensations. The softness of Bill’s waist under his hands, the warmth between his back and Mike’s chest, the soft blond hairs flying into his face where they come loose from the braid and bobby pins.

It’s a lot of old and new sensations that has Mike’s head spinning.

They ride until Bill complains of shin splints, his face red and a little sweaty. Mike totally doesn’t think of licking the sweat from his brow because that would be weird. They ride back to Starbucks and load Silver into Mike’s truck. They sit in the cab, unsure where to go from here. They decide to live out the nostalgia further, and head to the barrens.

“Can you help me get all these out?” Bill asks gesturing to the many bobby-pins in his hair. Mike pats the spot on the truck bed next to him and Bill sighs a “thank you” as he sits with his back turned to him. Mike begins to gently pull the clips from his hair, doing his best not to pull knowing full well Bill is tender-headed.

He brushes the hair out with his fingers as it’s freed in sections until all the pins are out and Bill’s hair is a wild mane framing his face. Bill had shifted to face him when Mike got to the sections held back in the front, and Mike watches his face carefully. His eyes are closed and his face is relaxed in contentment. He’s always liked having his hair played with, no doubt part of the inspiration to grow it out.

Mike finds himself fiddling with the ends of his hair, carefully brushing it back from his face. He’s too distracted watching the soft strands fall through his fingers to notice Bills’ eyes have opened to watch him.

They used to lay in bed together, Bill on Mike’s chest, while Mike would drag a hand through Bill’s hair while they cooled down. Sometimes they would talk and other times they would lay in silence, just letting themselves feel the moment.

Lost in his thoughts Mike doesn’t notice Bill moving his face slowly closer, or how his hand has ceased it’s ministrations running through soft blond hair to rest gently on his cheek, he doesn’t realize he’s guiding Bill’s lips to his own until they’re barely a breath apart. And then soft lips land on his and awareness comes crashing over him.

They both freeze for a second, they’re mouths held stiff against the other, and then Mike opens his mouth slightly to pull Bills’ bottom lip in between his. And with that Bill is pushing forward and Mike unfolds his legs so he can slot in-between his knees. They kiss desperately, mouths moving together hot and slick. Mike moans softly at the feeling.

And then he’s pushing away because holy shit, “did you-“ he pants and Bill moves to kiss his neck at the interruption, unwilling to stop whatever this is. Mike is totally okay with that but, “you didn’t eat meat today did you?”

Bill stops his traveling lips, body going stiff in the not fun way. It may have been something they used to argue about when they were dating, Mike thought it was gross to kiss Bill after he’d eaten meat, and Bill didn’t get what the big deal was. Mike thinks maybe he ruined the moment but then Bill is grinding his hips down into him and he drag his lips up Mike’s neck to his ear, making him keen at the sensations, his own hips stuttering to meet the boy’s above him.

“Not yet,” Bill whispers grinding down into the v of Mike’s hips harshly, drawing a groan from the man that quickly turns into laughter. Throwing his head back Mike giggles loud and uncontrollably. “Seriously?” He laughs breathlessly, Bill sucking a mark on his neck. He pulls back to look into Mike’s eyes. “Seriously. Your nagging finally got through my thick skull.” Bill says with an eye roll followed by a wink.

“Wow, fuck, that was such a fucking turn on.” Mike says drawing Bill closer with a hand on the back of his neck and kisses him passionately.

[mnyg1800com]

Lucky To Have You (yandere!jungkook x reader!)

slight and short smut, mentions of smut, daddy kink lol, possessive ass shit, overprotective Jungkook, the smallest bit of dirty talk , profanity (uhm it’s your girls first time writing smut and pls don’t attack me on my skills oof)

words: 18.1k+

☉yandere!jungkook x reader☉

A boarding school. That was where you were going. On this long-lasting and never-ending trip, you were expecting something spectacular. After all, being cramped in a car with the smell of dead bugs in some taxi made you want something extravagant. Your mother rode in the front seat, chatting with the driver and if you had to tell your mother a piece of advice it would be to stop talking. The driver wanted nothing to do with her or her ranting about her beautiful baby daughter that's growing up and finally leaving the nest.

"Honey, are you excited?" Your mother asked excitedly, jumping up and down in her seat. "You are going to meet such cool people."

I tried my best to smile for my mother, but it was no use as the result was only some weird awkward grin.

"Remember focus on grades first, and then boys, and also don't get too carried away with partying and call every night so I and your father know that you're safe." My mother was still ranting on, you spaced out soon after, and as time passed you could see the school towering over the many trees.

An odd place to put a school in your opinion. No other buildings were in sight, except for the tiny police station which was at least 3 miles away and it looked pretty abandoned.

"Be careful in there okay, you are far away from home and me and your father will be worrying about you every night and day," She said solemnly, holding my hand. You could see tears brim st her eyes and you groaned, but you were trying to mask your sadness of going away.

"Mom, we aren't even there yet, could you stop crying already?" I said teasingly, but I rubbed her hand in comfort.

"Okay, young lady this is your stop."

I looked out the window with disinterest, but my eyes widened when I caught sight of the school in front of me. It didn't even look like a school, Hogwarts maybe, but it was even more like a castle!

"Miss Y/n, I presume?" A young voice called out right after I stepped out of the car.

"Yes, and who are you?"

"I'm Jeon Jungkook, it's a pleasure to meet you," He said bowing respectfully. He seemed shy since there was a blush on his face, but he did a good job of brushing off his bashfulness.

"Thank you for the welcoming greeting," I say kindly a smile present on my face.

His blush only grew at the sight of your smile before snapping out of his small daze.

"Please let me get your bags. I was assigned to guide you through the school," he said politely, grabbing your heavy bags from your grip.

"Oh! My!" Your mom cried out, slamming the car door shut and you could practically see the driver roll his eyes. He was in for a trip on the way back, which was a 10-mile drive by the way.

"You are just the boy aren't you! So handsome, Y/n keep him for yourself or else the girls might take him away." This time Jungkook and I were both trying our best to hide our blushes.

"Mom, please. He's only here to guide me through the school, and I'm sure he is probably scared of me now... knowing who I am related to." I muttered the last part, Jungkook chuckling at my snarky comment.

And let me tell you. It has been 5 minutes of me knowing this undeniably handsome student, and his laugh was just the nicest thing to hear, especially when you've been in a car ride with a non-stop, babbling mother for more than 40 minutes. He tried his best covering his laughter with his hand, but you could notice his bunny teeth showing through his attempts.

"Oh honey, stop it with your comments now," your mother loudly slapped you on the back making you yelp. "Now, I believe I should be on my way, thank you for helping my daughter, beautiful child, but I have to leave now."

Your mother averted her attention back to you, hugging you tightly, practically crying into your shoulder. Jungkook could only awkwardly witness your mother cry as you could only sigh and pat her back in assurance.

"I'll be safe and don't worry about me, anyway I'm sure Jungkook will help me," I winked teasingly at the boy who jokingly saluted at your mothers back, making you laugh once more.

"Okay sweetie, I trust you. Be careful and stay alert and always call me!" You mother left with her joyous smile, climbing into the cab, much to the driver's dismay. You two watched as the car drove off as you waved her goodbye.

Once the car was out of sight, you looked at Jungkook apologetically.

"I'm sorry about her, she can be overboard sometimes. I swear she was more excited to get here than I was...not that I wasn't excited to be here! I was just like dreading moving to another school and so far away from home, I also noticed that there are no buildings around here....I'm so sorry for rambling, I just kind of talk a lot when I'm nervous and I am doing it again, I'm so sorry!" I bowed several times to show how sorry I was, but his hand on my shoulder stopped me from going down another time.

"Don't worry about it, it was cute." He said with a grin and I could feel my face get hotter, from both his compliment and his sweet smile. "Now let's go, you have a lot to see and learn about this new school. And as your guide, I promise to show you everything!"

With the lighter tone he had set, you felt more comfortable to be in this school and his presence.

For the rest of the tour, you were dying from laughter. Students looked at you two in curiosity, both for the fact that they haven't seen you before and why you were laughing alongside one of the most popular boys in the school. No one approached you two or questioned it, going on their merry way instead.

At the end of the whole tour, you were crying tears of laughter and your stomach hurt from all the jokes he had cracked.

"Ah, thank you so much for this warm welcome, I really like this school because of the tour you gave me," I say, bowing again as he waved his hand about.

"Don't worry about it, and also don't worry about it tomorrow either. I will be showing you to all of your classes throughout the day tomorrow." He was about to turn and walk away, but he stopped and looked back at you.

"Also for warning, you have a boy roommate, talk to you later Y/n!" He exclaimed before running in the opposite direction of you.

Aw he was so sweet to you and giving you a tour...WAIT A MINUTE

"Jeon Jungkook come back here!!" I yell, but he only flashed a smile to you before disappearing at the turn of the corner.

You were about to yell again, but the swinging of the door next to you interrupted you. And you had to double take at the sight in front of you before you clamped your hands over your eyes in bashfulness.

"Ah, what's with all this noise?" Their deep voice caught you off guard as you tried to not look at the shirtless man in front of you. "I swear you kids these days are so loud. Come on in Y/n, or else I might slam this door in your face."

The man that made your face burn 100 degrees was wearing nothing but a waist towel.

"Yah! You wanna stand there forever and stare or you wanna get inside," I scurry around in my place, grabbing all of my bags and rushing inside the seemingly small complex. For the most part, it was all white, and tidy which you appreciated.

"About time," he said reappearing from what you guessed to be the bathroom, but this time he was actually wearing clothes. I shut the door, locking it behind me.

"I'm Min Yoongi, third year and you are Y/n L/n Second Year...if I'm correct?" I slowly nodded my head at his words, my face still red from my mass blushing.

"Good to know, well to get a few things straight I have rules for this whole place. 1. There will be no such thing such as alcohol, drugs, or boys in here. If you wanna get fucked or get drunk, do that anywhere but here. Those rules also apply to me." My face reddened even more at his bluntness, but he ignored that and looked directly into my eyes. "2. I expect that we both keep this place clean and filth free, filth includes boys and girls. 3. I don't want to get into a fucking argument with you about these rules, I want both of us to live here without interacting with each other as much as possible."

In all honesty, you were kind of hurt. If one student was like this, what are the others gonna be like? After all, most students that went here were probably all spoiled brats after all this school did cost a lot of money. You were accepted solely for the fact that you got a scholarship.

"Oka-"

"Perfect, now I have places to be and if you don't mind I'll be on my way. Oh! Your key to this room is on your nightstand, which is near your bed, there's only one spare key so don't lose it. See ya later Y/n!" He waved lazily towards you before slamming the door shut.

"I guess I'm left to be here all by myself," I say, huffing. Instead of being productive and unpacking everything, you toured the spacious apartment. It was actually very big. There were 2 bedrooms, separated by a wall. One kitchen and dining table and one bathroom.

"The only problem is the bathroom, but everything else is nice. I can start unpacking now." I say before taking a deep breath. You didn't stop anytime in between as you continuously unpacked box after box after luggage after luggage. It seemed Yoongi knew how much stuff you were bringing because the room had everything you needed to fit everything in.

You put your electronics on the study table and went directly to the bathroom. It was already night time and you had been sweating since the moment you got into the cab. And you needed to have a nice long shower.

Taking extra clothes and a towel and placing them on the small counter, you stepped into the smoldering hot shower. The water eased your strained and definitely overused muscles and if you could, you would've fallen asleep right in the shower. But the last thing you wanted right now, was to see your bastard roommate find you naked in the shower.

After about 20 minutes of a relaxing shower, you stepped out, drying your body in the process, and then wrapping your robe around your body. I grabbed the extra clothes I had and stepped out of the bathroom, only to see my roommate on his bed, which mind you was directly in front of the bathroom, sifting through his laptop, headphones on.

"You take a long shower." He commented, lazily looking at you. I tried hiding my face but then realized that that wouldn't do anything to help me, except save the tiny bit of dignity I had...which really didn't matter considering I would have to share this room with him until he graduates. So you were sure that this would be happening more than once in your years of staying in this one room with this oddball.

"Oh shut up, you fucking dweeb." I bit back, finding my voice. He looked at me in amusement, probably surprised that I could talk.

"That was what I was waiting for. You were faster than the last guy, by a whole 10 minutes." He said, swinging his feet over the edge of the bed.

"What?!" I exclaim, kinda scared of what he was talking about. 'Did this guy kill the last person that shared a room with him?'

"I didn't kill the guy, by the way, he just graduated," Yoongi said, reading my thoughts perfectly.

"Then what are you talking about me beating him by 10 minutes?" I ask, dropping my clothes at his bedside.

"I put my roommates through hell until they finally break. If they break in 5 minutes of us sharing a room, they are too aggravating and I can't share a room with them. If they break in 10 minutes, I know that they are still too bossy and I also can't stay with someone like that for at least a year. But if they break in 30 minutes, like you did, then I know they have at least enough patience to deal with my bullshit." He finished his last sentence with cracking a beer open. "And those rules I gave you were complete bullshit, by the way, drink, fuck, do whatever you want in here. But if you are, at least tell me so I can leave. I don't want to hear you getting fucked by some other guy, okay?"

I stood there stunned at all the information I had to process.

"So you're telling me, you created an elaborate plan to see if I was worthy of being your roommate, then you make-up fake rules that I have to abide to-"

"Technically, you didn't really break any of them yet, which is good." He said before taking a long, loud sip from the beer bottle.

"I..." I took a dramatic pause trying to find my thoughts, "...am going to love being roommates with you!!"

His shoulders seemed to become unstiff at my response, smiling a bit.

"Me as well, L/n. Me as well."

"Now, taking in account for all the stress and bullshit you put me through, you owe me 20 dollars," I say, an innocent look on my face.

"20 Dollars!? Hell no!!"

"I expect payment tomorrow!"

☠▫🔫▫☠▫🔫▫☠▫🔫▫☠▫🔫▫☠▫🔫

The next morning I woke up to someone shaking me.

"Y/n!"

"Five more minutes!" I yell, slamming a pillow at the hand that was shaking me.

"You're definitely different from the girl yesterday," they noted, and I felt the bed dent meaning they had sat the foot of the bed.

"Yah, Jungkook let the girl sleep." You heard your roommate call out, as he dried his bleached white hair with a towel. "She was up late last night unpacking tell the dean that she gets a day off."

Jungkook gave a side glare to Yoongi who only rolled his eyes, unamused at the younger ones attempt to try and scare him.

"Well, unlike you I bet Y/n actually cares about her grade and bothers to attend classes, right Y/n?" You just moved around your bed in response, but Jungkook took it as a yes.

"I go to classes, you popular kids just don't notice me. Oh, and last time I checked I was still above you in the grading system, Jungkook." Yoongi spat, leaving your room glaring at your guide.

"It's my job to make sure you get around campus Y/n, and you aren't making it easy for me," Jungkook said, lifting your arm out from the warm covers and bringing all of your dead weight to his body so he could carry you.

"I don't wanna leave my bed!" You whined, clinging to his neck making his face heat up from the close contact. "Please, 5 more minutes."

With the tired yet cute look you gave him, he would've said yes a million times, but it was his job to make sure that you attended all of your classes and you got around campus safely.

"I'm sorry, baby girl, but you gotta get up." The nickname slipped from his tongue and he himself didn't even catch it, but you did. Even in your tired state you did and it made you blush, thank god you had just woken up or else you would've looked like you were burning up.

"Fi-Fine," you stuttered, slowly letting your arms fall to your side once he put you down. Jungkook stood there for a few moments admiring your wake-up look, and you were just as beautiful as you were yesterday. How are you so effortlessly beautiful?

"I have to change, Jungkook," I said, shyly pulling my oversized shirt over the hem of my short sleeping shorts.

"Ye-Yeah, sorry." He scrambled out of your neat room, shutting the door behind him.

I sighed heavily and quickly changed, not wanting to leave Jungkook waiting in the small room with Yoongi. You had heard their short banter while you were half sleeping and you could only think that they never really got along.

After changing into the uniform, pulling the short skirt as low as possible without flashing your underwear, you left the room with your bag.

"I'm just gonna wash up, I'll be quick." You informed Jungkook who nodded his head like a puppy. He was very cute, that was all you could think of rushing into the bathroom.

"Don't lead her on Jungkook, I know your game." Yoongi spat, combing his bangs that were in front of his face.

"What game? And I'm not even leading her on." Jungkook countered, calmly leaning against the wall. "And why do you care about her? I bet you're just so excited to share a room with a girl aren't you? Did you make any moves yet, Min Yoongi?"

Yoongi was about to bite back with a sentence that would've really hit a nerve on Jungkook, but you came out of the bathroom just in time.

"I hope you weren't fighting like dogs while I was in there," you said jokingly, but you meant all seriousness in the world when you said that.

"Not at all, baby girl," Jungkook said smoothly, making Yoongi role his eyes in the mirror, which you did miss.

"Don't call me that, Jungkook. You're going to keep getting me flustered." You said, hiding your face in your hands.

"You're cute flustered, so I don't mind. It fits you anyway." Jungkook said, picking his bag up from the floor. "Let's go, we might be able to tour the campus again before our first period."

You nodded and you were about to leave, but Yoongi's hand went straight for your wrist that was about to touch the door handle. Jungkook was by your side immediately, fuming at the hand that was placed on your wrist. He glared at his older classman, but Yoongi didn't flinch.

"I think I should go with you two, Jungkook might not lead you to the right class, after all, he is only a second year, he might get lost," Yoongi said calmly, maintaining eye contact with you ignoring the angry boy next to him.

"I'm fully capable of tou-"

"Yeah! The more the merrier, right Jungkookie?" The nickname slipped off of your tongue so nicely he could only gulp and nod his head.

"Su-Sure."

Yoongi let out a smirk of pridefulness, opening the door for you, letting you go first and then Jungkook follow after. He made sure to widen his smirk when Jungkook passed, who only ignored his entire presence, and locked the door when everyone left.

If you thought the stares from yesterday were bad, the ones people were giving you today made you feel more than uncomfortable. Yoongi glared at all of the passers-by as Jungkook waved to all of them and smiled, some even getting a high-five from the popular boy.

"Why's is everyone looking at me?" I whispered to Yoongi who looked to his right. Jungkook resisted the urge to push Yoongi away from you from his closeness, but he kept himself restrained and just huffed a big breath of air.

"Several reasons from what I could tell, you're the new girl, you're hanging out with the outcast, and you are also walking next to one of the most popular and handsome boys in this school." He replied gruffly.

"You mean Jungkook is popular?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. In your eyes, he seemed like the nerd and dork that got everything right in class and would just sit in the back. Now Yoongi, he seemed like the popular type. He had a typical bad boy aura surrounding him, and in all the movies and books, don't all the girls fall in love with the bad boy?

"Yeah, he also has his own gang so when you finish all of your classes meet me in the lunch room, we have lunch at the same time," Yoongi said, before parting ways from me and Jungkook to head to his own class.

"Y/n, we are almost to your first class." Jungkook reminded, grabbing my forearm to guide me in the right direction.

"Jungkook, I'm capable of walking," I tease, shaking his grip off of my arm. He looked hurt by your actions but masked it with his bunny smile.

"Call me Kookie from now on," he commented, slyly putting his arm around your own without you noticing.

"Kookie? Is that what you're friends call you?" I asked, thinking back to what Yoongi said about him and his popular group of friends.

"Hmm, sure!" He said, smiling. I chuckled at his cuteness and finally came to a stop when we reached a door that said chemistry.

"Ha, Kookie you and I have chemistry together," I said, telling my unfunny joke making him cringe. His nickname rolled off your tongue so smoothly it was music to his ears.

"We do," he said, opening the door for me, "I told the teacher to pair you up with me through the year to make sure you were comfortable," he whispered.

I nodded my head, "Thanks, I guess."

"Ah! My new student, Miss Y/n L/n!" The teacher exclaimed, making a few students look at you. They were either looks of disgust or curiosity. The ones of disgust were probably because you were standing next to Jungkook.

Jungkook caught notice of the dirty looks sent your way, it made him a bit aggravated. Why were they all looking at you like that? They shouldn't even think about glancing in your direction, especially when he was around you.

"Thank you, Mr. Jeon, for escorting her through the school, but please go to your regular seat while Miss Y/n introduces herself." The teacher kindly said and Jungkook obediently nodded.

"Hmm, well my name is Y/n L/n, I'm from T/n. And I hope you guys welcome me and accept me as one of your students." You smiled kindly, bowing down to your classmates, and it was almost like every boy in the class swooned, including Jungkook. But every girl wanted to vomit at your nice and friendly introduction, it seemed like you were going to be too nice for their liking. The girls only rolled their eyes, seeing the new girl already catch the attention of the majority of the boys was annoying for them.

"By special request of Mr. Jeon, you get a special seat next to him throughout the year." The teacher said but you already knew that since Jungkook had told you. I nodded at her kindly, walking through the maze of circular tables, finding a seat next to Jungkook.

You bowed politely to the one boy and two other girls who were sitting at your table who either bowed respectfully or rolled their eyes nodding their head towards you rudely (you can guess who that party was).

"So Y/n, it's nice to meet you, my name is Jimin."

The boy in front of you was also rather cute. He still had a bit of baby fat in his cheeks, making him looks even cuter and the round specs he was wearing made him also look attractive. He had silver hair that was placed as bangs in front of his eyes, but you could still catch the brown hues behind the hair strands. He was the duality of a good looking man to a cute boy.

"Thank you for the welcoming, Jimin," I say bowing once more, making him chuckle.

"No need to be so polite, we'll be classmates from now on, you don't have to bow every second." He teased, laughing a bit and it was infectious. What is with this school and its abundance of attractive men?

"O-Okay," you muttered bashfully but smiling as well.

"Hey, nerd, why don't get us the textbooks on the back table," Jungkook said coldly, making you tilt your head around to stare at him. Jimin seemed to put his head down in shame before moving out of his seat to follow Jungkook's command. I watched with an agape mouth at Jungkook, who was still mad for some reason, trying to think of what reason he had for the sudden rude outburst.

"What was that Jungkook?" I whisper-yell, trying to keep my voice down from getting in trouble.

"Don't worry about it Y/n, it was nothing." Jungkook brushed off his actions like nothing and it made you wonder if that was really how Jungkook was. Was he just being nice to you to use you eventually, like Jimin?

"That wasn't nothing..." I say pouting, making sure he knew I was displeased with what he had just done.

"Oh get over it, new girl," one of the girls spoke, "that's how things run here."

She smirked as she put her hand on the backside of Jimin's chair. He couldn't see where he was going due to the stack of textbooks in the way of his vision, but he knew his chair was nearby so he was going to sit down, but in the last second, the girl pulled his chair out. Jimin along with the textbooks fell, a loud crash and yell were heard through the room.

I stood up from my seat and went to his side.

He was gripping his wrist in pain and Jungkook lazily walked over.

"What was that?" I ask the girl who just smirked.

"Mrs. Park, Jimin got his wrist hurt and Y/n said she wants to escort him to the nurse." The snobby girl said, chewing gum loudly, like an annoying girl from a movie.

"Very well, get him there safely, I trust you know where the nurse's office is?" I felt my blood run cold, I couldn't help him if I didn't know where the nurses' office was.

"I can help both of them, Mrs. Park," Jungkook volunteered, but you just glared at him.

Taking a deep breath and looking Jungkook directly in the eye you said, "I know where the nurses' office is. I can take him there, Jungkook doesn't need to come, Mrs. Park."

There was a chorus of 'ohs' and whistle but you completely ignored them, making your way out of the classroom.

"Y/n!!" Jungkook yelled, but the teacher quickly put him in his place, making his return to his chair, slumping in his seat. He clenched his fist feeling like his plan had backfired.

☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫

"So Jimin, do you know where the nurses' office is?" I say sheepishly, avoiding his gaze.

Even in his state of pain he chuckled and nodded, "Just follow me...and here I thought you were the one that was supposed to be escorting me to the nurses' office."

I smirked and slapped his chest making him laugh even louder. My smile was slowly let down when I thought back to the classroom.

"Is Jungkook always like that?" I ask suddenly, killing the light-hearted mood.

"Yeah, he's always been like that. But I guess you'll be safe from his torment since you are one of his friends." Jimin said, looking at the floor.

"He always bullies you?" I ask quietly this time. With a slight nod of his head, I feel myself become angry.

"Why?!" He seemed surprised at my sudden yell, which I quietly apologized for.

"It's just how it is," hearing those words a second time made you even madder.

"Well, I'll help you," I say, nudging his elbow.

"You don't have to, just a few more years and I'm out of here. And other people have it worse than me," he said, trying to smile his words off, but you could see that he had been suffering on the inside because of the torment Jungkook put his through.

"I can't...be friends with him anymore. It doesn't matter how nice he is to me, I can't let him treat people this way." Jimin chuckled lightly making me lift an eyebrow in questioning as to what was so funny.

"You really are something, Y/n." He said throwing an arm around your shoulder, making you holding his good wrist in a friendly manner. "But seriously, don't break up your friendship with Jungkook, he's probably nice to you. Don't end it because of me."

I didn't say anything but continued on walking. Time flew by quickly with you two chatting and in no time you were both at the nurses' office.

"You should go back to class Y/n, you don't want to miss your first day," Jimin commented as the nurse grabbed his wrist gently.

"Excuse me, could you give her a map of the school, she's new." Jimin politely asked as the lady sighed heavily before retreating to the back of the office.

Jimin and I held back our laughter at her annoyed expression, but I stood up when she came back to get the map from her hands.

"Thank you!" I say, going to leave but then I remembered something.

"Jimin?" I say, opening the nurses' door again. I reach into the cup on the nurses' desk, her ignoring me the whole time she examined Jimin and got a marker.

"Y/n? What are you still doing here?" Jimin asked, pushing his glasses up.

"Call me when you want, or text. I wanna get to know you better if I ever do break off my friendship with Jungkook I need someone to talk to." I say winking before grabbing his arm to jot my number down.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" He asked doubtfully.

"It's not like I'm asking you out, calm down. And if anyone asks where the number came from, just say its from a girl you hooked up with." I say simply, shrugging carelessly. He slumped in the cot bed a little bit but nodded his head.

"Keep in touch, Jiminie!" I say, opening the nurse's door and leaving the room.

☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫

After a few minutes of getting lost, you finally made it back to class and when you shut the door as quietly as possible, Jungkook had already pulled out your chair. He looked like he wanted to say something, but didn't get one word out to you, not even to the other girls who were practically yelling in his ear about how attractive he is.

"Get into your groups and work on the assignment for the rest of the period." The teacher announced, and I looked around to anywhere that wasn't Jungkook.

"Y/-"

"So you're the new girl?" Jungkook's voice was cut off when someone's voice called out to you.

He had brown hair, slight curls, and waves in them, as he wore a bright and box smile on his face.

"Yes I am, and who might you be?" I ask, standing up to greet my classmate, bowing my head in respects.

"Taehyung, Kim Taehyung." He gave a lopsided smile which was absolutely adorable and before Jungkook could interrupt your conversation, Taehyung was dragging you away from your table to his own.

Now Jungkook had to keep an eye on you from the corner of his eye, while also trying to keep up with the two bantering girls on his right and left. He was trying his best to focus on the assignment, but he felt a gnawing at the back of his head.

What if Taehyung was trying to drag you away from him? What if he wanted to ruin your innocence? That was the last thing that Jungkook wanted. He rubbed the back of his head as he himself started wondering why he was having such odd thoughts in the middle of class.

It was obvious you wanted your space and he should leave you alone for a bit, but at the same time how could he leave you alone with this man by your side, acting oddly too friendly.

In reality, all of that stuff was in Jungkook's head. Taehyung was acting nice to you because you were his fellow classmate and you were the new girl, and the last thing Taehyung would do was try to hit on you on the first day of school. He didn't want to seem like a playboy to you.

"So Taehyung, who is your usual partner?" I asked, skimming through the textbook pages.

"It's usually Jimin-ah, but he obviously is not here," Taehyung said with a kind smile.

"So let's work on this together to make Jimin jealous of how well we work together," I say, jokingly, but he nods his head.

"I don't mind being partners with you, why did you think I invited you?" He said, chuckling at the end of his sentence.

"Then it's settled, chemistry partner," I say, a bright smile on my face as I shook his hand, mocking how officials would to confirm a deal with each other.

"Now, let's get down to work." Taehyung declared, pulling out his own pair of glasses from his pocket.

You two worked together worked quite well together, for only knowing each other for a few minutes. Taehyung made it easy to start conversations and he was easy to talk to which is why it was a breeze doing all of this work, that and the fact you had studied this subject beforehand.

It turns out you two were ahead of everyone else and finished much faster than the others. I dropped my pen and rubbed my eyes tiredly. Taehyung notices my fatigue and cracked a joke instead of bluntly asking you what was wrong.

"What's wrong? Sleeping beauty didn't get her sleep last night?"

Jungkook watched from his table as you chuckled and laid your head on Taehyung's broad shoulders. He didn't know the context or why you did, but it was pretty obvious to him that Taehyung was trying to pull something on you. And he wouldn't allow that.

It was even odd to Jungkook as to why he was acting like this. He had only known you for a little over 24 hours, but he felt the need to always be with you. And it made him mad seeing other people in the spot where he should be.

'Why did I have to say that to Jimin while she was there?' Jungkook thought, running a hand through his hair stressed of what you thought of him now. It was obviously not good and he wished he could do anything to change your mind. 'That's it! This is all his fault!'

Jungkook looked like he had found the jackpot with how far his lips went up in a smile.

'I just have to deal with him.' Is what he thought, clicking his pen rapidly.

The bell rang, snapping him out of his thoughts. He jumped out of his seat, immediately heading towards you. He pushed past Taehyung who was currently making you tear up from laughter.

"I need to talk to you Y/n," Jungkook said to you seriously and you glance between him and Taehyung.

"Fine, but be quick about it." You said back and Taehyung nodded in understanding and left the two of you to be alone in the room.

"I just want to say that what I said back there wasn't how I usually am, I don't know what came over me, but that definitely wasn't me. I'm sorry if I scared you, I didn't mean to." Jungkook blurted everything out and unintentionally mustering the best puppy dog eyes ever.

"It's...fine." A loud sigh escaped your lips at his confession. "It's fine, but you can't do that anymore." You said sternly and he nodded several times making you chuckle. "Now stop pouting and show me the way to our next class."

Jungkook held in his victory dance and held his arm out for you, which you intertwined your own with. It seemed easy to get you back this time, but maybe the next it wouldn't be so easy, which made Jungkook watch what he would say.

He took you to your next classes, staying by your side the entire time and he would glare at anyone that wanted to talk to you, also pushing the girls that were throwing themselves at him away. He only wanted to be around you and he made sure that everyone in the class had gotten the message when he would glare at them.

And that was the ending of your first day. You ate your lunch with Yoongi and for the rest of the day, you kept talking with Jungkook as much as possible. You guys fixed your one-day friendship and it made you guys even closer, which you were happy about.

You made sure to check in with Jimin and Taehyung time to time, the duo joining you and Yoongi for lunch sometimes. Jungkook didn't really sit near you guys for lunch because sometimes he wasn't even in the cafeteria, attending extracurricular subjects during his lunch periods. And when he did go to the lunch room, he would be bombarded with all of his other popular friends, but you smiled and waved at him anyway. He always returned the gesture, before one of his friends pulled him away from your sight.

It had been a few days since the Jimin incident and you were now walking around the campus, Jungkook by your side.

"So do you like it here? Is everyone treating you nicely?" Jungkook asked, looking at you with genuine curiosity. He wanted you to be as comfortable as possible while you went to this school and it was his job to make sure that you were.

"Yeah, the occasional side glare, but nothing too bad. The guys are very welcoming." Jungkook fought back an annoyed expression, instead teasing you of your closeness with the other boys, but inside he was getting eaten up with jealousy.

"I'm better though, right?" Jungkook put his hands under his chin in a signature flower-aegyo pose, but you just chuckled at the question.

"I'm not sure you and Yoongi are neck-to-neck," you teased before slapping his shoulder, "I'm kidding. You both are welcoming to me it's actually hard to choose."

He nodded, not saying a word.

For the past few days, you felt yourself become closer to Jungkook Your feelings began growing and each time he would tease you or look at you for too long you blushed a deep crimson. It was pretty obvious, and you were almost completely sure Jungkook knew you liked him, but he just didn't say anything about it. Probably out of pity for you, that's what you thought at least.

You had gotten used to your new schedule, capable of walking around the campus without getting lost. The mornings were a bit better knowing you had friends to greet you in each class, but it was still fun when lunch came by especially if Jungkook ate with you guys. So after a long morning, lunch finally came by.

"Jungkook, let's eat lunch together," I say, but Jungkook pouts.

"I can't, I have to go somewhere, but I could skip and stay with you instead." He said, excited for you to say yes, but you only shook your head.

"It's okay, I think I can handle lunch time by myself and besides Yoongi will be with me," I say, smiling sweetly. I didn't notice Jungkook's gaze hardened in frustration, but he was quick to hide it.

"If you say so baby girl, I'll see you after lunch then." Jungkook ruffled your hair, making you cringe from the friction. Your hair was definitely messed up now.

"See ya, Kookie!" You call out before entering the lunchroom.

You fell in line, grabbing your lunch quickly and leaving the line. I searched for Yoongi in the crowds of many people and thank god for his bleached hair because he was easy to see.

I went over to the empty table and he glared at me first, probably because he thought I was someone else, but then his glare softened.

"I didn't know when you and Jungkook would stop eye-fucking each other so I didn't interrupt you two." He said casually before biting into his sandwich. "I'm telling you Y/n, do not be friends with him. There is a lot about him you don't know."

I furrow my brows, feeling a bit uncomfortable with his tone. "If you are talking about the bullying, then don't worry about it, I told him to stop and we all know how Jungkook listens to me."

"You've only known him for a few days," Yoongi comments, before biting into his sandwich.

"And I haven't known you for a few days, but look where we are Yoongi." I shoot back, making him sigh in defeat.

"I'm just saying, don't say I didn't warn you," he said before taking a big bite into his sandwich.

"Hey! Y/n!!" You and Yoongi simultaneously turn your heads to look behind you to see Taehyung and Jimin walking towards your table.

"Jimin! Taehyung!" You exclaim hopping out of your seat to hug the two. "Join us!" I invite happily and they both pull out their chairs.

The four of you chatted, Yoongi occasionally dissing one of the two boys while trying to make a mess of your face by splashing something on you. It was all fun until someone decided to creep up on you.

"Isn't this an odd group of people here?"

I turn around slowly and see a jock, who was wearing our school jacket, towering over us with his tall and masculine built.

"Namjoon-ah, leave us alone." Yoongi spat, digging his fork deep into his salad bowl.

"Oh shut it Yoongi, just because you're older doesn't give you the right to tell me what to do." Namjoon countered making Yoongi huff out a deep breath.

"We don't want any trouble, please leave us alone," Jimin muttered meekly and I protectively stood in front of the table, trying to shield the frightened Jimin. These guys probably were the ones that bullied him more than Jungkook ever did.

"Just go," I say calmly, trying to ease the anger that was obviously riding up in his body.

"And who thinks I'm gonna listen to the new girl." He said, flicking some food onto your uniform.

"Okay man, look that's enough," Taehyung said, standing up abruptly his chair squeaking against the shiny new tiles. Now everyone in the lunch room was looking at you guys and Namjoon chuckled in amusement.

"Did that make you mad, huh?" Namjoon taunted, and he turned around looking like was going to leave, but in the last second, he turned around, fist clenched. You moved quickly in front of Taehyung intending to take the hit, but it never came. My eyes were tightly closed so I didn't see what exactly happened.

All you could hear was a loud clang of a metal tray, a body roughly hitting the floor, and the sound of bones cracking. I opened my eyes frantically looking around until I saw two people dressed in the school uniform on the floor. Who...?

"Jungkook!" I yell, rushing to the two. "Get off of him!"

I pull at his raised arm, which was obviously going in for a punch, but his brute strength outweighed my own and he brought his fist down to meet Namjoon's cheek again, in a brutal punch.

"Jungkook! That's enough! You're gonna hurt him!"

"So?! He was going to hurt you!! He deserves this!" He yells back harshly, and looking into his eyes you could tell that this wasn't the real Jungkook. It was someone else, someone that wanted to hurt the man that was already bleeding on the ground repeatedly.

"Jungkook! Snap out of it!" I yell as loud as possible and this time it seems like my message was delivered.

Jungkook slowly turned around and saw Namjoon bleeding on the floor.

"Everyone make way!" A teacher yelled, coming to the scene. They looked like they were going to get sick from just looking at the condition Namjoon was in.

"I need an ambulance, tell someone to call an ambulance!" They shouted and several students scurried away.

I approached Jungkkok who was still spaced out and softly took his hand in mine, his encasing mine.

"Let's go."

He listened to my words and followed in my footsteps. I glanced at the group at the table, who was looking at the both of us with unbelievable expressions.

"We need to get you to the nurse," I say softly, looking at his cut and bleeding knuckles.

"No," he uttered under his breath, "only you."

Even during a time like this, you didn't know why, but you blushed. His words touched your heart and you nodded slowly.

"Okay, let's go to my room then."

I lead him through the now familiar hallways until we made it to the dorms, specifically my room. You guessed that Yoongi would not be in until later, probably because he would be questioned sooner or later, including Taehyung and Jimin.

I tugged Jungkook into the bathroom, where there were wraps and bandages, along with cleansing alcohol.

"This is gonna sting," I say holding a soaked cotton pad in my hand. Jungkook nodded in response, clutching your other hand in his own. I softly dabbed the pad into his open cuts, his grip on my hand getting tighter and tighter as I continued on.

"Almost done," I say, trying to encourage him to pull through with the pain. He could only weakly nod and let his head fall as I brought the cloth onto his knuckles. I finished up cleaning him as fast as possible, now grabbing the roll of bandages to wrap his knuckles with.

This part didn't have any pain to come with it, but Jungkook kept a grip on your leg when you wrapped his other hand.

"There you go, all done, Kookie," I said smiling softly. I let my hands rest on the sides of my legs, which were sitting crisscrossed. He seemed still lost in his thoughts so I grabbed the side of his cheek making him look at me. This wasn't the best time to confront the issue, but I had to know why.

"Why did you do that? Why did you punch Namjoon" I ask softly, rubbing my thumb against his soft skin.

"He was going to hurt you Y/n and I couldn't let that happen." He said simply, leaning into your touch.

"But why were you there? I thought you had to do something else." I asked, pushing my limit with the amount of question I was asking.

"I was going to, but I wanted to stay with you so I went back and thank god that I did because I don't know what I would've done if something bad happened to you." His voice cracked a bit and your heart softened at his sweet words.

"Why? Why do you care so much about me?" I ask, curiosity and hope getting the best of his and my own boundaries.

Out of nowhere, it seemed like he snapped out of whatever trance he was in and pushed you to the bed beneath you two. He was extremely close to you, as he kept his firm grip on your wrists.

"It's because I'm in love with you, you make me crazy and you make me want to do things to you that I've never felt before. You can call me stupid or idiotic because I only met you a few days ago, but I am so in love with you that just by looking at you, you can make me insane." He breathed out, his hot breath fanning across your neck.

His words switched something on in your brain because in no time your lips were on his. By the touch of your hands in his hair, he was melting into your arms.

Jungkook couldn't help but pull away to see the sight in front of him, even if it meant losing the feeling of you against him. You were staring at him with the same look that he had gazed at you with and he fought back the childish grin that was creeping up on his face.

"I'm in love with you Y/n, I love you so much. I don't care if you don't feel the same I just need you to know." Jungkook was taking in deep breaths, trying his best to recover from the loss of breath he had.

"I think I love you too Jungkook" You breathed out, feeling a weight being lifted off of your shoulder by saying those simple words. And to Jungkook an 'I think' was better than nothing so he was not complaining at all. "Now come here and kiss me again."

He chuckled a bit before slowly closing the space in between you two. Unlike the first kiss you had shared, this one was more passionate like he was going as slow as possible to remember the feeling of your soft lips pressed onto his own.

Your tongues danced together in a fierce battle. You were so immersed in the feeling, but you didn't miss Jungkook's hips roll against yours as you felt yourself become more and more heated by the second. That was enough for you to beg for more.

Your hands left his hair and moved down to his button up shirt. Without leaving each other's touch, you unbuttoned his shirt, tossing it to the side of the room, his toned and defined chest out in the open for you to look at. The sight was enough for you to moan out in pleasure.

"Baby girl, if we continue like this I won't be able to stop." Jungkook moaned out and the pleasure of your fingers dancing on his bare torso made his head fall backward.

"Who said I wanted to stop, baby?" You winked at him before flipping him over so now you were straddling him. He let out an automatic moan, feeling more pressure on his hard member. You smirked and teased him more, rolling your hips ever so slowly.

His hands went to your hips and made you move faster, making you smirk at how desperate he was. While his hands were occupied with your pelvis, your hands trailed down the sides of his chest enjoying the feeling of his muscles get tighter whenever you grazed them ever so slightly with your fingertip.

You would have never imagined this happening. You had Jeon Jungkook under you a moaning mess from your teasing and completely shirtless. It was something out of a dream.

"Y/n...I need you now," Jungkook moaned, and you could feel him become harder and harder with even the slightest bit of pressure applied to his cock.

"I know baby, I know." In all honesty, you were craving for him too, but something in the back of your mind told you to stop, think about what you were doing, and who you were doing it with.

Jungkook got riled up from the teasing and flipped you over so he was on top now.

"Your clothes are annoying me, baby girl," I smirked and let my hands slowly trail to the buttons my own shirt. More teasing couldn't hurt, right?

I moved as slow as possible, unbuttoning each button making sure he saw what I was doing. Jungkook was practically eye-fucking you by the time you were at the bottom of the shirt.

"Fuck baby, I'm so hard for you right now." His words make you break your thoughts of reading him. Instead, you unbuttoned the shirt as daft as possible.

Your shirt was tossed aside by him as he immediately went to litter your neck and chest with hickies and open-mouthed kisses.

His sharp teeth biting into your skin gave you massive waves of pleasure, which shocked you, as you ran your fingers through his dark black hair, which only made him bite deeper and harder. He was desperate to finally make you as his.

His mouth didn't stop moving once and by the time he reached your sensitive spot, you were covered with his love bites.

"Oh god, Jungkook how am I gonna cover that?" I moaned out since he was still biting and nipping at my neck, his warm tongue meeting yiur sensitive skin.

"Don't." He said with a raspy deep voice, breaking away from your neck for a moment. "Let everyone know who you belong to."

His words shouldn't have, but they drove you to edge as you ground your hips against his, yearning for more friction.

You both wrre done if the teasing and stopped to look at each o thef. He was disheveled and breathing heavily, and you were practically the same.

"Y/n, are you really rea-"

"Hey, guys we're back!!" The door slammed open and Jungkook instinctively covered you first, jumped out of the bed, and closed your door. Thank god there was a separate room only for you or else this would've been 10 times more embarrassing.

"Guys!? What's going on?" Jimin yelled again and you could hear the laughter of Yoongi and Taehyung through the walls.

"Leave them be Jiminie~" Jimin didn't catch the message but decided to listen to Taehyung and step away from the doorway.

Jungkook was heavily breathing while leaning against the door as if making sure no one stepped foot inside. He was still shirtless giving you some extra time to examine his perfectly sculpted torso. He truly was ethereal.

"Y/n, get dressed." He commanded and I nodded, trying my best to hide my embarrassment. His hand slipped to your doorknob, locking your door so he didn't have to stand in front of the door the whole time.

Jungkook was about to get his own shirt, but you stopped him, grabbing his wrist.

"Don't wear your uniform, I have extra clothes you can wear." Jungkook smiled at your shy face, enveloping you in a tight hug, his arms capturing you in the warmest embrace you've ever felt.

You walked to your closet, Jungkook not letting his arms falter. Your back was hitting his hard chest from how tight he was holding you and this made you blush even more. Jungkook didn't notice you were still without any shirt and looked at your closet, looking through the clothes with you.

"I have this oversized shirt and loose sweatpants that can definitely fit you." You muttered, reaching in to grab the articles of clothes.

"Whatever you give me, I can wear baby girl." He said slyly, planting a kiss to your temple. He was acting so sweet and nice to you, your heart melted. He grabbed the clothes from you, throwing on the shirt immediately and it was actually loose on him. Jungkook only imagines if it was big on you, how did it look on you? He imagined your bare legs, the shirt acting almost as a dress when you wore it and he smiled at the thought. Perhaps he would get to see you like that sometime.

You turned around and changed into your own clothes, also giving Jungkook his own time for changing. You wore sweatpants as well and a belly shirt that was comfortably loose on you. When you saw that Jungkook was finished with changing, you tackled him to the bed, hugging his torso. You could hear him chuckle before letting the two of you lay on your sides. Jungkook propped his elbow on the bed, resting his head in his hands staring at you with love.

Jungkook would have never guessed he would fall in love with someone so quickly, but he was glad he did before anyone else could. Now you were his and no one in the world could ever change that.

"Jungkook even though we just met, I feel so happy with you." You muttered, cuddling to his chest. He didn't bother hiding his prideful smile as he let his arms rest on your waist.

"Me too, Y/n. I don't know why, but I want to be with you forever." He said, hands now playing with your hair. You hid your face in his chest and you could hear his heart racing against his ribcage. It made you blush since you knew his heart was beating like that because of you.

"Hey!! Could you guys stop fucking for a second because we need to talk about something!" Yoongi yelled out, and you blushed knowing that he was aware of what you two were doing.

"Don't be embarassed baby girl," Jungkook said winking at the end of his sentence.

With a lot of encouragement from Jungkook, you decided to get out of bed. It was hard to convince you since you knew that once you stepped out of the room the 3 pairs of eyes would immediately land on you.

When you did exit the room, Jimin was letting his head lay in his hands, and you were guessing he was blushing to probably being informed by the other two by what you were doing. Yoongi kept a blank face and Taehyung was making overly exaggerated happy faces, hyping the two of you up.

"Wow! Jungkook and Y/n getting it on, and on your first day together, impressive." Taehyung winked teasingly to you, making you scratch your head in bashfulness. His comments made your face red, which you had predicted, and Jungkook only smirks with confidence and pride. He was glad that they all knew you were his now, that way they wouldn't get in his way when it came to you.

"Y/n...I'm sorry for almost barging in, that was totally my fault!" Jimin apologized, not daring to look at Jungkook's now fierce eyes.

"Ah, it's fine Jimin, you didn't know." Jungkook rolled his eyes but remembered to try to be nice towards Jimin, it seemed like that would make you happy.

"Yah, Jimin!" Jungkook said suddenly, the shorter one cowering in fear. "I want to apologize to you for the past years, I shouldn't have done that and it was the wrong of me. Hopefully, you and I can be friends and we can get to know each other more."

You looked at Jungkook impressed with his apology, it seemed like he did swallow his pride just once. Jimin, on the other hand, was smiling widely, "Yeah! We should!"

Jungkook seemed satisfied with his answer before directing his gaze to Yoongi.

"I don't approve, but you can do whatever you want. But don't be too loud when you guys do it in here." Yoongi said this all with a blank face before standing up to go to the kitchen.

I shuffled into Jungkook's embrace as he wrapped his arm around me.

"So you guys wanna celebrate with a party?" Taehyung asked.

"Tae, I'm pretty sure that you can't throw any parties in these dorms," I say, tracing Jungkook's veins. He felt calm with the light touch of your finger tips.

"Oh innocent child, I'm talking about the underground parties," Taehyung said with a devious smirk.

"We can't do that again Taehyung!" Jimin called out, making you curious as to what this secret underground party they were talking about. "We were almost caught and I think if you really wanna do it again, you have to wait. We held a party only a few weeks ago and if we hold one again, the school will get suspicious."

"What is that?" I ask, looking at Jungkook who just sipped on the water Yoongi put on the table.

"Jimin and I have been the masterminds behind some of this school's best parties, ask Jungkook. He's attended more than one, isn't that right Kookie?" Taehyung winked at the boy sitting next to you.

"Don't call me that, and yeah I've been to a few," Jungkook said, keeping his arm around your shoulder. "They're interesting, to say the least."

"Fucking interesting is an understatement," Yoongi chuckles, sipping on a beer which he recently retrieved from the fridge, "you can get a whole lot of memories, and other things, at those parties."

I look at Yoongi interested in what he had said, raising an eyebrow. Yoongi only smirked and pointed at Jimin who was blushing under the attention of your eyes.

"Explain, Jimin," Yoongi said, punching the shorter boy in his shoulder, who held back a wince.

"So, um, basically, me and Taehyung we...um...deal un-prescribed medication to some of the students here?" Jimin said, trying not to choke on his words.

"Un-prescribed medication...?" I say, confused.

"Drugs, they deal drugs, baby girl," Jungkook said, knowing that you were confused.

Immediately, you let your posture become straight staring at the two. Taehyung only smirked and Jimin looked away shyly, a blushing mess.

"You sell fucking drugs!!" I yell at the top of my lungs. "Why?!"

"It makes good money, princess, this school isn't all good grades and popular boys, there's always a dark side to things," Taehyung said smoothly, and you could hear a loud stomp on the ground. I looked at Taehyung to see him clutching his foot.

"Don't call her princess," Jungkook said threateningly, "ever again."

"Do you wear fucking platforms to school or some shit Jeon?!" Taehyung called out, still clutching his aching foot.

"Jungkook, why'd you do that?" I ask softly. I let out a small yelp when Jungkook suddenly pulled me into his lap, bringing his lips close to my ear.

"I'm the only one allowed to call you such names, you're mine and only mine." He growled and I tried not to look at the amused Taehyung in front of me.

"Wow, Jungkook you're already territorial when you are only a day in the relationship, I thought those feelings came in later," Taehyung said, smirking. Jimin chuckled cutely, hiding his laughter behind his small hand.

"Oh shut your smart mouth, Taehyung," Jungkook said, kissing your neck softly.

"Anyway, Taehyung a party or not?" Yoongi asked, and suddenly Taehyung slammed his drink onto the table.

"Of course there's a party!"

Jimin clapped quietly, looking defeated since no one listened to his observation, and Yoongi nodded and smiled, satisfied with the answer.

"Jungkook and Y/n you have to come since the party is for you guys anyway," Taehyung said, leaning on the table looking at the two of you in hope.

"I'll go if Y/n wants to," I felt all eyes turn to me and all I could think of doing was nod. I mean why would I say no, there wasn't anything bad that could happen.

"Great, it's a real first date for the two of you," Taehyung said, happily sitting back in his seat.

"Taehyung, you better not scream about the two of us, you would draw unnecessary attention to us and I think neither of us want that," Jungkook said firmly, keeping you on his lap.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't," Jimin assured.

The room fell into a comfortable silence until I took a deep breath.

"So we're all just going to ignore the fact that Jimin and Taehyung run their own drug business?"

Everyone nodded, sipping their drinks, Taehyung winking playfully.

☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫

Taehyung quickly spread the word around the school, telling people the exact details and making sure that they kept quiet about it.

See on the surface, Taehyung seemed like a nerd like his closest friend Jimin. But in fact, he was a sly student that used his act of a quiet kid to listen in on people's conversation, in the end getting all of the gossip and secrets. He used that to his advantages, threatening students that said they were going to report his parties with their beloved secrets and that he would expose all of them.

That's why none of the popular kids speak out against him or tell the teacher's about the infamous parties he holds down in the basement. Well, of course, there is the rare exception, such as Namjoon, but it will usually simmer down when the teachers don't believe him, not even bothering to inspect the allegations, forcing Taehyung to tell their secrets to everyone.

Stumbling upon the now infamous basement was a total accident. He had actually become friends with Jimin there. It was his first day as a student and curiosity got the best of him. He read a do not enter sign and of course, he entered. He saw some kid sitting in front of a glaring screen, with many more surrounding him.

Cutting to the end of the story, Jimin, who was the one sitting in front of the screen, was hacking into some private files that weren't supposed to be out there. Taehyung immediately befriended the wallflower, claiming the two of them met because of fate pushing them together.

They had renovated the whole place themselves, and thanks to Jimin's connections he was able to install speakers into the walls, not forgetting to make the place soundproof and that was the making of the party meet up place. Don’t even ask Taehyung how Jimin managed to get past the student council with renovations because even he doesn't know how his best friend did it.

"This is gonna be the best party so far," Taehyung said, stuffing cash into his pocket. He was in charge of who could and could not enter the basement and he was excited to see both you and Jungkook show up.

It was only the start of the party, but the place was close to being packed. That just showed the popularity of these parties that Taehyung held.

"Babe, should I wear this?" It has been one week since you and Jungkook made it official and he was currently in your dorm room trying to help you get ready. You were asking his opinion on several outfits.

"No way, that's too showy," Jungkook said, sneaking up behind you to wrap his arms around your waist, "why not just wear a shirt that says 'I'm Jungkook's Girlfriend, fuck off!'?"

I chuckle lightly at his joke, continuing to skim through different shirts and bottoms.

"I guess I can just look comfortable and cool," I say, choosing the sweatpants and tight crop top. With a choker going with your nice outfit, you finished off the look perfectly.

"I am so goddamn lucky to have you Y/n, so fucking sexy." Jungkook praised, kissing your neck making you smile shyly.

"Oh, that's enough, Jungkook. You look great yourself, so let's get going. I'm sure Taehyung is excited to see us too." I say, pecking his nose, making him scrunch it up cutely. "And I'm just as lucky so stop praising me like that, babe."

Jungkook smiled proudly at his nickname, happy with the closeness that grew between you two.

"Whatever you say, baby girl. Let's go." He said, standing up taking your hand in his, walking out of your room with you towards the basement.

Now, Jungkook was no stranger to Taehyung's parties, constantly being invited by his friends, who were invited by Taehyung. He had never partaken in drugs or things like that, but there were definitely wild memories he's had there. There were sometimes hook-ups, but he never mentioned any of that to you. You had to see him as someone you could trust, and that's what was happening now.

You went hand in hand to the basement where Taehyung happily greeted you, also saying you were free of charge and that you didn't have to pay for entrance.

"Y/n, just stay close to me, okay?" I looked at Jungkook and seeing his serious expression, I nodded my head. "Good."

"Y/n!!" A high pitched voice called and then there was a sudden weight on your shoulders, thankfully Jungkook held you tightly stopping you from falling to the ground. I look to my right and saw Yoongi, definitely intoxicated, sipping on his drink.

"And you brought your boyfriend!" He cheered. Jungkook looked disgusted at Yoongi while you tried holding back laughter.

"Oh!! I spot a cute guy Y/n look over there!!" Yoongi said pointing at the familiar boy sitting behind the computer, DJ-ing the whole party.

"Uhm, Yoongi, that's Jimin there..." I inform, making him stand upright instead of falling to the ground.

"Oh fuck me, pretty boy!!" He squealed, running off to the DJ stand. Even Jungkook himself was laughing at the mess Yoongi was making out of himself.

"Now, baby let's get this actual party started." Jungkook cheered, taking you by the waist to the bar.

Jungkook ordered both of you some shots, as he kept a tight grip on your exposed waist. While you two waited for the drinks, Jungkook kissed you firmly on the lips. A smile formed on your mouth, but you cooperating and kissed back as feverishly as possible.

HIs hands trailed from your waist down to your thighs, lifting you to his lap as he sat on one of the bar stools, making sure to keep you both steadied.

"Your drinks? That is if you guys would stop sucking each other's faces off." The bartender said, making you chuckle at your boyfriend's annoyed expression.

"Thanks," I say, not hesitating to swallow the alcoholic shot down my throat. Jungkook grabbed his and finished it as well. Of course, it being your first time tasting such strong alcohol your fave cringed, making Jungkook chuckle lightly.

"Babe, I gotta go to the bathroom," I say, climbing off his lap, but he was still holding my hand. "You probably messed up my lipstick." I tease, climbing off his lap.

"Want me to walk you?" He asked, squeezing my hand gently. I shook my head no and left for the restroom, blowing a kiss before turning my way to the facilities.

Jungkook watched your retrieving form, ordering another round of shots. He was about to sip on the alcohol in his hands, but a sudden slap on his back stopped him from doing so.

"Jeon Jungkook, finally showing up after many long months of being off the grid!" The voice was familiar to him, it was one of his old jock friends that he didn't keep in touch with too much now in days.

"Oh hey, Jackson." Jungkook greeted, trying to sound as enthusiastic as possible.

"Hey, I umm, saw the girl you were with, hoping you could hook me up, y'know like old times." All of Jungkook's muscles tightened at the sickening sound of Jackson's voice, it was the same voice he used whenever he wanted a favor. Usually...no actually always involving a girl. A girl that would later be in the same bed as him panting and moaning his name.

"No, sorry Jacks, but that girl is not for the taking." Jungkook said sternly, not glancing at his 'friend' Jungkook kept a close eye on the bathroom door, actually hoping you wouldn't come out until later. If you were to return to him, who knows what Jackson would do to you, which would ultimately end in what Jungkook would have to do to Jackson.

It was obvious you two were dating, I mean you were always holding hands in the halls, sharing kisses near the lockers, and always sharing hugs and lovable actions in public, no shame what so ever.

"No way! Dude, she is a real one, I got to say...what's she sound in bed?" Jungkook could barely think, why did he need to know? Was he really going to still and try to get with you when you were obviously taken?

"..."

"Really, Jungkook? That bad." Jackson said, laughing at his own unfunny joke.

By the time Jackson was caught up in laughing at his own joke, you were walking back to where Jungkook was. And this was probably the only time in his life where he didn't want you back sitting on his lap.

Jackson's laugh was cut short when he noticed his friend's silence, looking in the same direction as he was.

"Holy fucking shit." Jackson breathed, staring at you, too much for Jungkook's liking actually. Without warning, Jackson walked towards you chatting up a storm with you.

"Hey, so Y/n, right?" Jackson said to you, making you nod, uncomfortable with how this stranger was treating you even though you've only heard him say a minimum of 4 words.

"Uhm, yes, what do you want?" I ask, casually slipping out of his arms which were around my shoulder.

"I'm kinda a friend of Jungkook," he said, getting closer to you once again. I glance at where I thought Jungkook was, but he wasn't there. "And I wanted to get to know you better since Jungkook just keeps babbling on about this perfect girl."

He stepped closer, his chest touching yours since you were now backed to a wall.

"I need you to step ba-"

Jackson's close body was now on the floor. Everything happened fast and it was a blur to you, the one who was in front of the poor boy. Jungkook was suddenly panting in front of you, holding you as close as possible.

"I'm so sorry, Y/n. I came as fast as I could, the crowds of people were slowing me down and I just couldn-"

"Don't apologize, thank you for coming Jungkook, thank you so much." I breathed, hugging him tightly. "I, just, thank you."

Jungkook hugged you back with as much love, glancing at the motionless body next to his feet.

"Let's get you back to the dorm, and rest okay?" You nodded, taking his hand in yours and excusing yourselves from the party.

After a long walk back, bidding your three close friends a good night you finally made it to your room.

Jungkook helped you get changed, apologizing every second for what happened.

"I can't help but feel it's my fault," Jungkook said beating himself up.

"Don't say that," I mutter, caressing his cheek with my hand which he leaned into, "what happened tonight couldn't be stopped. And it's no big deal, as long as we're both fine it's all okay." I say, pecking his lips to try and make hum feel better.

"I love you so much," He breathed, hugging my waist.

"I love you too baby," I say softly.

I climb into bed and Jungkook wraps the blanket protectively around my body, making me look like a burrito. It was silently agreed that he would stay the night. He stripped off his shirt, changing into the spare sweatpants he left in your room.

He joined you, cuddling up to your side and hugging you tightly in his muscular arms. His hands automatically found your own and you smiled at the abundance of affection.

Jungkook really was the perfect boyfriend, which you had learned in a week of being together. It seemed wherever you stepped foot, he was there to support or be with you. He was just a very lovable guy.

The sound of his steady breathing lulled you to sleep. You slept thinking of how lucky you were to have someone like Jungkook in your life to be with.

☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠

Jungkook had lifted his head from the fluffy pillows, looking over to you. Jungkook knew why he was awake and he knew what he wanted to do.

"I love you so much," Jungkook whispered pushing your hair aside to kiss your cheek, "which is why I have to do this."

He slid out of the comfort of your bed and dressed in all black clothing.

It was already late as the sun was about to come up, which is why Jungkook wanted to make this quick.

Yoongi was passed out on the couch, or at least that's what Jungkook thought, as he took your keys from the side drawer leaving your room, locking it on his way out.

He left the dorm area, going back to the basement and just as he expected, Jackson was still there. His friends were probably too drunk to carry him back and when he woke up from Jungkook's punch he probably just went to sleep. At least that's how it was when Jungkook had to take care of him when they were friends.

Jungkook's jaw clenched at the worthless excuse of a man right in front of him but continued making his way to the blonde's body.

He took his arms, carry the dead weight body up the stairs, dodging all of the security cameras. He knew where the cameras were and skillfully escaped out of their vision, eventually taking the stairs to the roof.

It was like something in Jungkook's brain was turned off and another side of him was found, something hidden deep down. He felt the need for revenge, anger, and he craved blood.

Without a second thought, he reeled his arm backward and brought it to meet Jackson's face. The victim's eyes shot open and he touched his jaw, still dazed from being abruptly awakened in such a rough manner as well.

"Jeon...?" The sun glared right unto Jackson's eyes, making him lift his hand to see Jungkook's face properly.

"Yeah, it's me, friend," Jungkook greeted sarcastically smiling at the dazed man in front of him if you could even call him a man at this point

"Yo, what happened?" Jackson asked, sitting upright on the gravel ground beneath the two.

"Oh, last night. Man, it was pretty fucking wild. Yeah, you tried to put yourself onto my girl, it was pretty fucking fun to watch." Jungkook said, spitting each word with venom.

Jackson didn't notice the intensity of Jungkook's glare since his hangover was still present.

"See? I told you everythi-"

Jungkook moved swiftly, taking Jackson's wrist in his hand, bending his fingers in painful ways, his other hand gripping Jackson's bleached blonde hair. Jackson yelled and fought against Jungkook's steel grip, but it was no use.

"Dude! Wha-"

"No! You shut the fuck up and listen to me, you man whore!" Jungkook yelled, now bending his past friend's arm back. "You put your fucking hands on my girl, my pure and innocent girl! Do you think I could forgive you for that?!"

Jackson was unresponsive, the pain in his soon to be broken arm numbing his brain. Jungkook's anger flared at his silence, this time taking his arm and bending it in an unimaginable way, Jackson yelling for help in pain and disparity.

"Answer me you fucking cunt!" Jungkook dropped the broken arm, kicking the man's stomach. "Do you think it was fun for me to see you put yourself onto her?! That's why I fucking pummeled you to the ground last night! It's what a son of a bitch like you deserve!"

Jackson's body would jolt up with each kick that was sent to his stomach, making him groan and yell in even more pain.

"This is only a fucking warning, Wang." Jungkook keeled down to look at the almost passed out man. "If I see you look at her, touch her, or even fucking breath in her direction, I will fucking kill you!"

Jackson nodded weakly, steering his eyes away from his 'friend.'

"Let me hear you fucking say you know your place!!" Jungkook slammed his fist into the concrete wall near Jackson's head, making the latter cringe at the close proximity. "Admit that you touched what was mine and you won't do it again unless you actually value your life!"

"I shouldn't have touched her a-and if I even look at her, you'll...k-kill me," the words fell from Jackson's chapped lips making Jungkook nod, trusting he learned his lesson.

"Good, remember our rules and I don't kill you," Jungkook was about to walk away from the scene, but stopped mid-step to turn and look at the broken man. "And don't tell anyone about this, if I hear even a rumor about this whole thing, I'll make sure you never speak again."

Jackson barely nodded, and Jungkook walked away satisfied with his work. With a slam of the roof door, he left Jackson crippled on the floor barely breathing.

"I'll do anything for my Y/N, as long as she is safe," Jungkook murmured, "and I'm the only one that can protect her."

Jungkook made a quick stop to the bathroom, washing the access blood from his knuckles. He made a good call wearing all black since there were some drops of blood on his shirt. Staring at himself in the mirror, he took a deep breath recalling the events that happened only seconds earlier.

"No, Jeon, you're doing the right thing. This is for your baby, he tainted her and you just took care of the problem. This isn't your fault." Jungkook mumbled to himself, resting assured by his own words.

He left the bathroom with no other words, going on his way back to your dorm room.

On his quiet journey and long, he thought of you and your futures together. Even after high school, he will make sure you two will never be broken apart.

"She is mine and there's no stopping it, even if I have to shed blood," Jungkook said to himself, smirking at the thought of your futures together.

He made sure to quietly open the door to your dorm room, remembering that Yoongi would be there on the couch. But surprisingly, he wasn't.

"Where'd you go, Jeon?" Yoongi asked as soon as the dorm room door closed. "Why did you leave so early in the morning?"

Suspicion grew by the second Jungkook didn't answer. He was going to walk right past Yoongi, but the latter's hand stopped him. Jungkook growled and threw the hand off of his shoulder, walking towards your room.

"I'm watching you, Jeon," Yoongi warned, to which Jungkook just ignored.

If Yoongi were to really catch on to what he was doing, it would only get messier from here on out.

"Do whatever you want, but" Jungkook turned around and pointed a finger at Yoongi, his stare baring right into his soul, "if you try to come in between me and Y/n, I will make sure no one ever sees you, again."

Yoongi was actually taken aback by the threat that Jungkook delivered. Before he could retort, Jungkook disappeared into your room. Yoongi slouched and looked at your door, contemplating whether or not he should tell you of his encounter with Jungkook.

Meanwhile, behind your closed door, Jungkook discarded his shirt and climbed into bed with you. You shuffled over to look at Jungkook with half open eyes.

"Baby? Why're you up so early?" You asked, hugging his muscular torso. Jungkook melted at your touch, turning around to now face you.

"Nevermind that. I think that you should call me something else now," Jungkook smiling at your sleepy, but cute, expression.

"What would that be?"

"Oppa."

Your body stiffened and he chuckled lightly at your reaction.

"C'mon, do you really not wanna call me that?" He teased rufflung your already messed up hair.

"I don't mind it...oppa," Jungkook smiled victoriousmy, hugging you tightly and bringing you closer to his bare chest.

"Jungkook, thank you so much for what you've done for me," you said, thankfully and his heart beat increased, "I just can't believe I was able to get so lucky to have you."

Jungkook's lips upturned into a big grin and he brought you closer, to such a close proximity you could hear his heartbeat.

You pecked his chest making him chuckle and flip you over, so now you were straddling him.

In your close and intimate relationship, you never thought of how fast you guys were moving. You both were happy and nothing could stop that, and honestly, to you, it felt like Jungkook was the one.

You were now straddling his waist as he looked at you with love and adoration.

"You are so perfect," he breathed out, keeping a firm grip on your hips.

You chuckled and leaned down to peck his forehead, lingering slightly to feel his hot breath on your neck.

"Wanna go out and walk around campus?" You ask, running your fingers up and down his chest, slightly tickling him.

He pouted, holding your two hands in his own, "We can just stay here, together."

He kissed your hands, looking directly into your eyes and you resisted the urge to agree with his idea.

"No, babe. C'mon, some fresh air never hurt anyone." You leaned down and kissed his lips, making him wish for more, but you pulled away grinning at him.

"Let's get ready," you threw the duvet off of your body and stood up near the bedside. Jungkook stayed still in bed for a moment, admiring your practically bare body.

"Hey, stop staring and get up," you teased, throwing a hoodie at his shirtless body.

Jungkook sighed and sat up, throwing the hoodie on and changing into skinny jeans.

You dressed in a skirt and a short sleeve stripped shirt, coincidentally matching Jungkook's.

"Now everyone knows your mine," He said smirking at the image reflected in the mirror in front to you two.

"Wait let me take a photo and post it on SNS." You said, digging into your bag and getting your phone out.

Jungkook stood behind you, arms wrapped around your shoulders draping in front of your chest. You tilted your head upwards and kissed his chin, making him smile and that's when you snapped the photo.

It was the perfect picture and you quickly posted it before gathering the last of your things and joining Jungkook to exit your room.

Yoongi was still on the couch, Jungkook thinking he could've possibly been pretending to sleep but didn't pester him further.

"Jungkook-oppa," you said in the sweetest tone, hugging his masculine arm, "let's get food and go shopping!"

Jungkook chuckled and pulled you closer, "You didn't have to ask baby girl, I know what you like when we go out to eat."

Even though the school was isolated from any other shopping malls or restaurants, the school is wealthy enough to open their own. A big one at that. Along with average fast food chains close by to the mall. It was a few minute walk, which is why you didn't know of it since it was pretty far from the school, but Taehyung informed you of it which is how you came to know it.

"And don't worry, I can pay for everything you want," Jungkook said slyly, grinning down at you.

You pouted but didn't argue knowing that putting up a fight was useless.

For the majority of the walk, you two were just taking pictures together or one of you took pictures of the other, it made time go by faster and made the walk more comfortable and enjoyable.

"We're here!" I exclaim out, tugging on his arm. He shook his head a small smile on his lips and continued leading me towards the entrance.

"It's so big!!"

The inside was truly marvelous. It was gigantic and the several floors of stores and restaurants had you even more excited.

"Let's go," Jungkook said leading you to the escalator. He leaned on one side as you leaned on the other, peering over at the stores you would eventually get to.

"Excuse me," a low voice said behind you. Without warning the person pushed past you, walking straight past you and making his way to the top of the stairs.

"Hey! Co-"

"It's fine, Jungkook calm down," I say, holding onto his hand to calm his anger. One thing you learned from being with your sweet and, usually, kind boyfriend was that he had absolutely no filter with anyone that hurt you. Which happened often, considering the number of his crazed fangirls around the school that were mad when they found out he was seeing you. You grew accustomed to holding him back, which he wasn't a fan of.

Jungkook liked to deal with all of your problems for you, saving you the hassle of lifting a pinky.

"Where do you wanna go, babe?" He asked softly, his breathing finally even. "You get to choose."

"Hmmm, oh! That one!" I say, jumping up excitedly. It has been a since you last saw so many shops in a while, so you were ecstatic to get to see clothes other than the ones you brought with you. Jungkook held tightly onto your hand as you dragged him into the shop you wanted to go to.

Once you entered, you were like a child in a candy shop. You bounced from one clothing rack to another, and thankfully Jungkook was able to keep up.

"Hmm, I don't think these clothes are my style." You said, but you still sifted through the several clothing racks. Personally, Jungkook spotted some clothes he thought would look fantastic on you but it seems like he had thought wrong. Jungkook could only think ahead in time when your birthday would come around, what would he get you? Speaking of which,

"Hey, baby?"

You hummed in response, telling Jungkook that he had your attention.

"When's your birthday?" He asked, and you glanced at him smiling sweetly.

"It's not important. And besides, I know about your made up plan on spoiling me sick on my birthday, which is why I won't tell you." You say, walking away from your stunned boyfriend.

Your birthday not important? What a load of bullshit!

"Fine, you caught onto my plan, but your birthday is important!" He exclaimed, but you shook your head ignoring him. "Please tell me, I won't spoil you..."

You looked at him in disbelief and he hung his head, "...a lot." You chuckled, patting his cheek.

"If you are so desperate to know then help me choose between these two, and then I'll tell you." You declared, holding up two dresses.

One was a sheer black one with flowers stitched onto them, it was practically yelling spring in his face. It seemed classy, and Jungkook would've liked it if it wasn't for the thin and see-through material which went up until the waistline. He couldn't let you leave the dorm looking like that, or else what would the guys at your school think.

The next dress was rather short and had small waves at the ends, after the waistline. It was a light pink color, and a bow was on the backside of it. He leaned closer to the second dress since, even though it was rather short, it was cute. The other one was cute as well, but he felt that you would look better in the second one. Even though you could look in anything, in his opinion.

"The second one." He said simply.

"Really?" You ask, and he immediately regretted his answer. He began stumbling over his words to try and redeem himself.

"I mean-they all, um look great on you. I just thoug-the second one suits you better, I think." He said stuttering over his words slightly. You laughed at his barely understandable sentence but nodded your head in understanding.

"I got it, Kookie. The second one it is," you held the dress up to your eyes, "it is pretty cute, even if it isn't my style."

He smiled happily, glad that you were happy with him and his decision.

"But!" You suddenly exclaimed whipping your head towards him with a pointed finger, "that doesn't mean we are done just yet!"

Jungkook laughed at your childish actions and looked as you thought of what was to come next.

"I got it! You choose an outfit for me and I choose one for you!" You exclaimed and Jungkook thought the idea was cute.

Jungkook was going to say what he thought about the idea, but you already pecked him on the cheek and rushed off to the men's section. He only sighed before spinning into the other direction to the woman's section.

He glanced around and noticing a lot of the items were bright and colorful, and just as he was about to choose a white and pink shirt he thought you would like he remembered how you said not a lot of these clothes were your style, including the soft pink dress from earlier.

"It must be black or dark since she doesn't like a lot of the bright ones..." Jungkook noted to himself and he saw the corner of the store have a darker selection.

Meanwhile, you were skimming through the clothing racks like a breeze. You knew what Jungkook's style mainly consisted of. His closet, which you have seen on several occasions when you spent the night in his dorm room, was filled with ripped jeans and mainly solid color (all of which were white with a splash of gray) and the occasional oversized hoodie.

You decided you would get your sweet boyfriend a darker look. You grabbed black ripped jeans, a gray oversized undershirt, and a black graphic tee. You finished it by grabbing a red and white flannel and you were practically gushing imagining your boyfriend wearing these fitting clothes.

"He will look so amazing!" You cheered feeling proud of yourself. You were ready to head to the dressing rooms, where you texted Jungkook you would be.

Meanwhile, Jungkook was pulling his hair out in distress. He had mass amounts of worry going through his brain. Would you hate this skirt? Is this shirt too loose? Are these even going to fit you? Would you hate the entire outfit and decide to end your relationship with him over his stupid mistakes? To him, your entire relationship was riding on the choices he made.

"Aish," he breathed in annoyance and one of the workers walked over to him.

"Sir, do you need help," she said softly, seeing his distressed look. He glanced at her and sighed once again, it was rather rude of him.

"No, I am fine, thanks." He said coldly, and the girl backed away slowly, wondering what the whole mood change was for.

Nowadays, females that approached Jungkook met a hard stone cold wall. He thought of no one's other emotions except for yours, and occasionally your close roommate and two friends. But that was it. Unfortunately, girls didn't get the note that he was already taken and decided to confess to him, sometimes even in front of you! He would roll his eyes and scoff at their confessions but tried his best to hold back at scolding them whenever you were there. You had gotten into the long discussion with him about the way he treated the girls in the school, but frankly, he could care less.

Why would he have to be nice to people that were completely irrelevant to him?

He sighed and finally accepted the clothing he chose and wished it would suit you fine. He checked his messages and saw you had been waiting for him for a few minutes and that you were by the dressing rooms already.

He rushed over to the dressing rooms and he saw you there, standing with a few pieces of clothes in your hands.

"About time," you teased, pecking his cheek as he blushed lightly, "let's go, oppa. I wanna see what you picked out."

"Don't expect much, babe." He said, shyly handing over your clothes. You chuckled and handed him his own clothes.

"Oh don't worry Oppa~. Whatever you pick for me I will love." You assured and you stepped away from your boyfriend to go to your own fitting room. Jungkook didn't hesitate to follow you, taking the room right next to yours.

He chuckled lightly at the clothes you chose for him, they were very dark and he was kind of into it. It was different from his usual style and he liked that you chose something to mix it up for him.

You looked at the outfit in your own fitting room and you couldn't help but blush. You weren't sure what Jungkook was thinking choosing out your outfit, but you absolutely loved it, but it was just so...sexy? The skirt was tight against your hips and the shirt he chose was a tight crop top with long sleeves that also hugged your arms. He even chose mesh stockings for you and that even made it more attractive and slick.

You stepped out of the dressing room and trying to cover your legs from the stray eyes that were also in the dressing room. You were surprised you finished before him since his pieces were easier to put together than yours, but you didn't mind waiting for him since you knew he would look absolutely amazing when he walked out.

Jungkook tried his best to fix his clothes the best he could to make himself look better for you. His appearance itself was already perfect, but he wanted to make sure that he looked better than ever for you, and only you.

He finally decided that he was presentable and stepped out of his room. And when he did, he couldn't hold back a gasp. There you were, standing against the wall with your arms hanging by your side patiently waiting for him. The outfit looked even better on you than he could ever imagine.

You were absolutely to die for, and you agreed when you saw Jungkook walk out of his fitting room.

"Baby girl," Jungkook breathed out, and you walked over to him. He felt a sudden wave of dominance and possesiveness wash over him. The root of it all was because of the stares you were getting from the other men in the room.

Immediately, you were pushed against the wall, his lips latched onto your own. His leg pushed itself in between yours and you moaned at his defined thigh muscles pressed against the inside of your thighs.

"Hey! Could you please not make out in here? At least do it in a fitting room." Jungkook ignored the employee's warning and trailed down to your neck. He placed open mouth kisses against your neck, making you whimper quietly.

"Jungkook..." He nipped at your neck making you yelp, but you placed your hands against his broad chest, "we have to stop or else they won't let us buy these clothes...and I'm sure you want to see me wearing this around you more often, right?" You whispered quietly and he reluctantly stopped. He pulled away from you and saw that he left soon to be blotches all over your neck, and he couldn't help but smirk in confidence.

"You're right about that baby girl, now take this off so I can buy it for you." He commanded and you didn't need to be told twice to step back into your fitting room, Jungkook following after you and his hands were on you once again.

They said in a fitting room at least, right?

☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠

Jungkook and I walked out of the shop, you a blushing mess as Jungkook continued whispering sweet nothings into your ear. Those sweet nothings were a mix of sickly sweet compliments and teasing from what happened in the fitting room, mainly the latter.

"You really are loud aren't you baby girl," he said making you playfully shove him away. "I wonder what you really sound like though." The wink at the end of his teasing still wasn't much help to you. "Oh, wait nevermind I already know."

His comment didn't help the blush on your face as you try not to let your face become too similar to a ripe tomato. "Aish, Oppa stop teasing me like this, especially in public. That was so risky of you, too. We're lucky they even let us buy clothes from them."

Jungkook smirked and wrapped his arm around your waist. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt satisfied knowing that at least some people knew that you were his. After all, you weren't that quiet.

"You were the one that was loud," he shot back, nuzzling his nose into your neck.

"You were the one that practically fingered me through my underwear," you shot back and relished in the shy faced he was wearing, oh how the tables turned for once. "Why did I even tell you my birthday after that stunt you pulled?"

Jungkook chuckled and was going to bring up food for you two to eat, but was interrupted when a man called out to you.

"Hey! Y/n!!"

Your head whipped backward, and you saw a person running towards you. You didn't have time to process it before they crashed into you, breaking Jungkook's iron grip off of your waist. He growled at the newcomer who was hogging you in an embrace and stepped forward to break the person off out of your hold.

It was Taehyung and he was suffocating you in a hug. Jungkook rolled his eyes and tried not to throw his hands onto Taehyung to get him off of you.

"Taehyung-ie!" You yelped out and hugged him yourself, making Jungkook tilt his head, pushing his tongue against the sighed of his cheek in annoyance(YALL KNOW WTF IM TALKING ABOUT)

Why were displaying affection to him in public instead of him, your boyfriend?

"Y/n, I haven't seen you in forever," Taehyung whined, still keeping a hold on your arm which Jungkook so badly wanted to take in his own grasp.

"I'm missed you too Taehyung." You said softly, but you caught notice of your boyfriend's flared nose and clenched jaw. You knew he was mad and he could blow up at Taehyung anytime, so you slyly moved your arm from Taehyung's to Jungkook's.

That was when Taehyung greeted the man next to you.

"Oh! Jungkook, how have you been?" Taehyung casually said and Jungkook wanted to punch the smirk off of your close friend's face. He still hasn't gotten over the closeness you two shared, and you were still believing that Jungkook could accept the fact you did have friends.

"Fine." Was all Jungkook said as he tugged on your pinky finger, trying to tell you he wanted to leave. You did get the message but chose to ignore and instead engaged in a conversation with Taehyung, which made Jungkook even more frustrated.

"Baby girl, there's a bubble tea place somewhere here, wanna get some?" Jungkook offered by whispering into your ear, giving you an indecipherable look but you brushed it off.

"Great idea babe, Taehyung join us." It wasn't a question and more of a demand and the both of you didn't notice how progressively angry your boyfriend was getting.

Jungkook was boiling over while he watched you chat and chat with Taehyung.

"Hey, baby girl," He grunted taking your hand in his across the table making sure Taehyung saw. Once your head turned to him with a smile present on his face, he gritted his teeth. He should be the only one making you smile and laugh like that.

"Yes?"

Before you could stop him, Jungkook pushed his seat back and enveloped you in a kiss. His arms were wrapped around your waist, making your back arch. By reflex you kissed him back just as feverishly, your eyes shut closed.

Jungkook, however, kept his eyes open to stare down Taehyung. The two maintained eye contact and Taehyung couldn't keep the shiver running down his spine hidden. His eyes were angry and Taehyung could tell by the look he was getting that if he didn't leave it would only lead to trouble. So as quietly as possible, Taehyung left the scene, not looking back.

Jungkook smirked in victory, still, keeping his tight hold on you. His plan on getting your attention worked and now he didn't have to worry about anything.

"Ah, Jungkook." You moaned, finally peaking your eyes open. It suddenly dawned on you that you were still in public, not behind closed doors or even in a fitting room.

"Ah! Jungkook!" Your words were rephrased with a much different tone, as you pushed him back into his seat where he breathed heavily. "Why are you like this today? Is there something wrong?"

Slowly, he nodded and inched closer to you.

"People are staring at what's fucking mine," he whispered harshly, biting on your outer ear, "and I think daddy needs to teach his baby girl who she fucking belongs to."

Needless to say, you spent a long night at Jungkook's where he kept to his word and made you a moaning mess underneath him. The whole time he was thinking of how beautiful you were writhing underneath him. Which is why he had to preserve your beauty.

☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠▫🔫☠

You woke up completely naked in Jungkook's bed, legs sore as Jungkook's hand lazily ran up and down the curve of your back.

"Hey baby," he started kissing the space in between your neck and shoulders, "are you feeling okay? I was rougher last night, sorry,"

You blushed at his kindness and just hugged him, massaging his back with your hand and staying silent through your grin.

"Y/n, I want you to know something," He said breaking the comfortable silence between you two. You nodded against his chest, listening to his heartbeat and awaiting his seemingly serious words.

"I want you to rely on me, on everything. No matter what I'll be by your side and I'll always be there, for you and only you. I love you so much and I can't let you stray too far from me because I think I might go crazy. That's why I act the way I do, the way I treated you last night was because of how much I loved you." He said slowly making sure you heard everything he said and every breath he let out, and he wished you knew that every breath he took was for you.

"I can't bear being away from you for too long because I get worried. Did you eat? Did you get enough sleep? Are you okay? I worry about you so much and I hope you understand that it's from my love for you."

You didn't realize, but Jungkook's words really hit home for you. Tears cascaded down your cheeks as he wiped them away, some of his own dripping onto the sheets of his mattress. You both were emotional disasters, that bit was sure. 

"Oh, I love you so much too. Jungkook, I really do." Was all you could say, littering his torso with light and sweet kisses.

"As long as you keep telling me that, nothing can stop me from coming back to you."

Jungkook kept his grip on you strong and of his hands continued to stroke your hair.

This was his idea of perfection, you and him. Together forever.

[mistye-dawne]

Twisting Fate

Ao3 | FF.net 1 | 2

Summary: After his last act as a hero, All Might is forced into retirement. Unable to fight. Unable to protect anyone. How does one continue to carry certain burdens when they no longer have the strength to do so anymore. Can the man who's always had criticizing opinions about the No. 1 hero show him that it's okay to let someone help him? Starts post chapter 95 of manga.

Chapter 3: Faith Restored

Toshi watches the car disappear from sight before turning and staring up at the highrise. It reminded him of when he was about Midoriya's age; both of his parents worked abroad and he had no other family to speak of so he lived alone. No dreams or aspirations to speak of since he was quirkless. He'd just been trying to get by the best that he could until he met Nana.

He shakes his head to keep her face from appearing in his mind because he knows that he'll just end up seeing Shigaraki instead. He sends a quick text to Midoriya and then approaches the elevator. The students and their families had already been informed that the teachers would be conducting home visits but he wanted to let the boy know that Aizawa wasn't going to be joining them.

The boy's mother is every bit as timid as Toshi imagined her to be. Where else would Midoriya get it from? The apartment is small, just big enough for the family of two, and he can't help but to relax a little as he's already exhausted of the formal appearances. A serene smile graces the man's face when they walk past Midoriya's room, eyeing the name tag hanging from the door.

He's offered a seat at the table and a moment later is given some tea that he doesn't end up touching. When his mother sits across from him he get's straight to the point. Her face is cheerless as she informs him that she doesn't support the decision. Midoriya looks genuinely surprised but Toshi isn't surprised in the slightest.

He figured that for all Midoriya's fighting and trying his hardest that the boy would have become oblivious to his surroundings outside of school. It was one thing that he constantly disregarded his body and caused so much damage to himself. It was an entirely different matter to disregard the feelings of those who supported you the most, even if it was unintentional. Toshi hoped to help correct that way of thinking.

Toshi listens to her confide her worries and doubts to him, thankful that Aizawa had not pushed the matter to join him for this visit.

Though she might have told her son that she'd allow him to relocate, it's quite obvious that she really has thought about why she doesn't want him to leave. His life would have been so much simpler had Toshi not taken it upon himself to pass One For All to him. Just like the attacks on the school, it all leads back to him. Her worries and fears are his doing. Even still, he doesn't regret choosing Midoriya.

She asks him if he's aware of the state her son's arms are in. Toshi knew that he'd injured himself severely, but he'd not been aware that if he caused any more stress on them that he'd lose the ability to even move them. Even if he didn't have to convince the boy's mother, it's clear to Toshi, that he's failed Midoriya on more fronts than one.

As a citizen, she thanks Toshi for all that he has done. However, as a parent she fears for her son's well being. After witnessing his fight, she doesn't wish to see her son follow that same bloody path that he did. It makes her wonder if maybe he'd be happier if he'd remained quirkless.

Toshi understands her worries, but knows that Midoriya doesn't regret any of the choices he's made. No, they've not been the best ones and for not showing him that sooner, Toshi accepts full responsibility. But to ask if he'd be happier had he remained quirkless made him want to scoff at her laugh. For more than a year he's watched this boy grow and at this point can't imagine anyone better suited to take up the mantle that he's left vacant.

Midoriya surprises them both when he tries to argue his case and the woman asks him to remember what she'd said when the term began; that she'd always be on his side and support him. But that didn't mean she wouldn't worry about him. As the tears well up in the woman's eyes and she looks back at Toshi, he sees the boy finally realize what he hasn't been paying any attention to.

She looks into Toshi's eyes and tells him as clearly and as firmly as she can, that she has zero confidence in the school and cannot trust her son to them. He doesn't blame her for her decision and is quite impressed that she's able to stand so firmly against his proposal. When she's done speaking, that timidness returns. She pulls her hands into her lap and hangs her head.

"If I may-" he begins only to be interrupted.

"Mom you've it all wrong!" Midoriya raises his voice, causing her to squeeze her eyes closed. "My injuries are my fault. I've been told by all my teachers multiple times-"

"And that just further shows me that the school cannot be trusted to be responsible for you, Izuku," she counters sternly.

Toshi turns his gaze to Midoriya and gives him a hard look. "Sit down, boy," he says calmly, waving his hand down.

"I'm okay if you think I'm being overprotective," she admits, drawing the hero's attention. "I don't mean to keep my son from his dream... But if he really wants to become a hero, it's not as though UA is the only place where he can become one."

Toshi sees that Midoriya's eyes are full of fear. He's trying to keep himself from panicking, because what else can the boy do? His mother is adamant about her decision.

Silence falls over the room as Toshi thinks about what he can possibly say to sway her, though nothing comes to mind. He thought maybe, just maybe, he'd be able to do something to help the boy but he's rapidly losing hope. Without warning, Midoriya rushes from the room and Toshi hangs his head, thinking about just how hard this must be for him.

"I'm so sorry, I'll call him back," his mother hastily says as she stands up from her seat.

She barely takes a step before the boy returns, holding something in his hand. "It doesn't have to be UA, mom. But look at this," he says while showing it to his mother. "I saved a boy when the camp was attacked. This is the letter he sent me, saying thank you." He pauses and takes a breath. "Mom, it's my fault that I've made you worry so much and I'm so sorry. But that boy made me his hero, so if it I can't be at UA, fine. But I will become a hero."

Toshi holds his breath as he sees that, once again, there wasn't any reason for him to worry about Midoriya. Just when all seems lost, that boy is able to solve his own problem and that glimmer of light within him grows brighter. He's no longer just some individual chasing after his favorite hero. He intends to reach his long-term goal, even if he has to give up a seemingly childish dream.

With what strength he can muster, Toshi stands from his seat and approaches the mother and son. He strains to maintain his hero form and falls to his knees, bowing before the woman.

"It's my fault that my responsibilities were not prioritized properly and for that, I am truly sorry." He hears the woman let out a small gasp. "I believe that Izuku is worthy of being a successor to my legacy. There is strength and passion in him that I've not seen in a long time and I believe that he will be the next Symbol of Peace."

"What? Wha-what do you mean?" the woman stutters.

Toshi disregards her question and continues. He apologizes for taking advantage of Midoriya's admiration of him, thus neglecting his education. He lets out a shaky breath when he can no longer hold his hero form but remains on the floor. He appeals to her, as a teacher of UA, that he will not allow her son to walk the same path he has.

He genuinely wants to stand with the boy, not just to help him fulfill his dream and become the next Symbol of Peace, but also because in the time that Toshi has been able to spend with him and watch him grow, he's come to care about Midoriya and is proud of how far he's already come.

He understands that there are many uncertainties and insecurities around the school, but he informs with her that the heroes of UA are doing absolutely everything they can to change all of that then pleads with her that instead of looking at the current state of things, look at how they will be different in the future. Even if it's costs Toshi his life, he will protect and ensure her son's success.

He hears the woman sink to her knees, and waits for her to speak. He's practically laid himself bare before her and freezes when she takes a breath to speak.

"I can't... accept that," she sighs. His heart drops to his stomach. "Because you are what pushes Izuku forward."

Toshi's eyes grow wide and he lifts his head to look at the woman. Her eyes, they're just like Nana's. "I don't hate UA," she says softly. "I just want Izuku to be happy. Which is why you have to go on living while protecting and nurturing him to your fullest extent. If you can promise me that, then I won't stand in your way."

Toshi bows his head once more, fighting the sting of tears. "I promise," he whispers. It's done, so now he must make good on it and keep his word.

As Midoriya and Toshi walk downstairs to wait for a cab, Toshi pulls out his phone to see a handful of messages from Aizawa. In the time it took him to visit with Midoriya, the other teacher had already been to five homes. He quickly sends an apology to the teacher and asks where he should meet him. Toshi pockets the device and looks back up at the highrise to see the boy's mother standing outside.

"Your mother," he starts. "She reminds me of my master." He smiles softly at the thought, relieved that

"Huh? My mom?"

"Yeah. She's a strong woman." Toshi feels his phone vibrate and opens Aizawa's message: 'Ashido's family is next. Wait for me if I'm not there.' He bids Midoriya goodbye then gets into the cab, directing the driver to address that Aizawa sent as well.

Aizawa hits the button on his phone and returns it to his pocket, turning back to the father of Uraraka Ochaco.

"I apologize for the interruption. I know that the two of you are pressed for time," he says, bowing his head slightly.

"That's alright, Sensei," the girl's father says with a wave of his hand. "Our daughter's future is far more important to us." Aizawa follows the man's eyes to the kitchen as the girl and her mother return, offering him some tea.

"I take it that your daughter has already spoken to you about the relocation, then?" the teacher inquires.

"She has,"her father answers with a nod. "Listen, I don't really get the whole hero business, but it's something that our girl wants so we support her," he pauses to look at the brunette. "I do get that it's dangerous work, but can you look me in the eye and tell me that you and the other teachers are doing everything possible to ensure the students' safety on campus."

Aizawa doesn't hesitate to meet the man's stern gaze. "The students aren't the only ones relocating to the campus. All UA staff will be required to live on campus as well with a few of us on call each weekend in case of emergencies. That being said, on days off I doubt any of the teachers will be away from the campus for elongated periods of time."

The family sitting across from him are silent for a moment and in that silence, Aizawa notices that Uraraka hasn't said a word yet. To him nor her parents. He realizes that he might have said too much and opens him mouth only to close it when her father speaks again.

"And you believe that this is the best choice for the school to make?"

"If I didn't, I wouldn't be here before you, asking you to trust me with your daughter's future. For the students' safety and quality of education, I believe that this is the most logical course of action."

"Our daughter spoke highly of you, Aizawa-sensei," her mother says. "She trusts you and the other teachers for that matter. She believes that you all are doing you best and we trust in her judgment. Please, watch over our daughter and the rest of the students as well."

Aizawa bows his head to the family. "I will. Thank you for trusting in us." He's said that phrase too many time to count now but each time he's sincere about it.

Since starting their journeys at UA the students have been through much more than he had when he was their age. They've matured some which is evident because with each visit, he's received some sort of praise from the students through their parents. He's never cared much for being praised but it did mean a lot to him that the students were able to accept that even heroes made mistakes and were willing to give them another chance.

After thanking the family once more, Uraraka escorts the teacher to the door and before Aizawa steps through across the threshold he looks back at her. "What is you want to ask, Uraraka?"

Her brown eyes snap up to his as he waits for to speak. "Do you think the entire class will return to school?"

Aizawa offers her a rare smile. "You shouldn't concern yourself with the futures of others, but if I had to guess I'd say that it's likely all twenty of you will be seeing each other in a few days."

He reaches for his phone and messages All Might, telling him that he's on his way to Ashido's home.

After meeting All Might, Aizawa is given a chance to rest as the man takes it upon himself to do a bit of talking for the next several visits. Aizawa is grateful for the chance to rest his voice but was honestly a little surprised to see that All Might's smile was much brighter than it had been earlier.

Just what had been discussed at Midoriya's home? He expected that he'd get through two, maybe three, visits before blonde caught up to him. But in the time All Might had been at the boy's home, he'd visited five homes. He'd decided that after visiting with Uraraka, he was going to wait regardless of how long it took the man. Though he was glad that he didn't end up having to wait and waste time.

By the time they finish visiting all twenty homes and return to the school so that Aizawa can drop off the paperwork, the sun had set. As he locks up his desk, he tells All Might that he really doesn't have to get him a drink. Toshi insists, reminding him that he'd left Aizawa to visit several homes alone while he was with Midoriya. Remembering the favor he'd done for him, Aizawa accepts the offer and leads him to a small steakhouse not far from the school.

The place is pretty empty as the pair finds a corner table to sit at. The restaurant is plainly decorated, the walls painted a muted mint green that was easy on the eyes and had a rather soothing effect. The tables and chairs a dark cherry wood color. Aizawa waves to the woman behind the bar who seems to recognize him. A moment later she comes to the table, placing a beer in front of Aizawa and a water in front of Toshi. Aizawa never orders anything but she leaves a menu on the table just in case his companion wants something as she knows they could end up staying a while if he has more than one drink.

"You really didn't have to come," Aizawa says to him again.

Toshi watches the man run a hand through his tangled hair that he'd let down almost immediately after their last home visit. Aizawa picks up his mug and takes a drink.

"I already said that I'd treat you." Toshi reaches for the menu. "Besides I should probably eat a little something before I sleep tonight."

Aizawa nods and hums in response, thinking that they had been busy for most of the day and hadn't stopped to eat anything. He'd forego telling Recovery Girl about it this time because eating had completely slipped his mind too.

Aizawa asks him about the visit with Midoriya went, guessing that he must have had some trouble since he'd been there for so long. He learns that at first, her decision to not allow her son to continue attending at UA had been resolute. Aizawa didn't blame the woman or her reasoning though he was a tad annoyed that she still found the fault with the teachers that her son was always overdoing things.

"You know," Aizawa begins after finishing the first beer, "he's like you."

Toshi pauses in reaching for the food that had just been placed in front of him and looks up. "What do you mean?" he asks trying to sound as innocent as possible.

Aizawa watches him nibble on a fry, then awkwardly try and cut his burger into smaller, more manageable pieces. Aizawa rolls his eyes and plucks the knife from his hand. "He's too self-reliant," he answers as he cuts the sandwich into quarters. "It's good to be able to stand on your own, but the way he goes about proving that he can do just that is more than a little irritating."

Toshi waits for the teacher to finish his sentence and cut his food before he mumbles a word of thanks. Aizawa nods at the lone waitress as she sets another drink in front of him, then take a generous gulp. "Those kids are lucky," he says, placing the mug back on the table.

Chewing on a small bit from his burger, Toshi notices that aside ever present look of drowsiness in Aizawa's eyes the man looks disappointed. "They are indeed. I doubt there are so many parents such as theirs that would be willing to allow their children to return to a school that's been under fire more than once since April," he adds after swallowing his food.

He pushes the plate away offering it to the man across from him. Aizawa narrows his eyes at All Might and is met with that lackluster smile he'd seen at Bakugou's home earlier in the day.

"I wasn't meaning that, but you are right," he agrees and grabs for a fry. It's probably a good idea for him to eat something with the alcohol.

"Oh?" Toshi asks. "What were you referring to then?" he tilts his head.

"Your retirement, All Might."

Toshi, wide-eyed and confused, look at Aizawa who's straight-faced. Not knowing what to possibly say in response, he looks down at the table. Surely there's more that he has to say. Aizawa always has a reason for saying what he does.

Aizawa takes another drink. "Almost the entire fight was broadcast. There are countless videos as well." He pauses, waiting to see some kind of reaction from the blonde. "I know that a group of students were present that night."

Toshi recalls the sight of Midoriya, Iida, and Kirishima as they opened they way for Bakugou to escape. He'd already scolded Midoriya for his recklessness but the others had received no such thing. Just what was Aizawa planning to do?

As through reading his mind Aizawa answers the unasked question. "I would have expelled them. The five of them and the other twelve students who were aware of what they were thinking."

Toshi can only sigh. It seems like a harsh punishment, but it would be a fitting one. "You would have every reason to do so. The rules for acting as a hero exist for a reason. So what are you going to do instead?" He reaches for his water as Aizawa does the same to his drink, finishing it and waving for a third.

He pushes his hair from his face and let's out a frustrated sigh. "There shouldn't even be another option for punishment but..."

Aizawa sucks in a breath, unable to keep himself from admiring those striking blue eyes as All Might rests his arm on the table and leans into the conversation. "But what?" he prompts with a whisper.

Aizawa glances around to see that the other handful of patrons had started to look in their direction. "I hate to see potential such as theirs go to waste," he mutters just loud enough for his companion to hear him. "Because of that, this is the only chance they're getting from me. I'll let your retirement be a reminder to them that their actions have consequences, even if they aren't the one's to pay the price."

Toshi smiles sadly as Aizawa picks up another fry and takes tiny bites from it. He knew that retirement was imminent and inevitable when he returned here to find a successor that he could entrust One For All to. To think that his stamina had lasted even this long amazed him. But in the eyes of the world, and apparently his co-workers, the retirement was going to take a minute for them to wrap their heads around.

"Dammit.." Toshi returns his attention to the man across from him and sees that his arms are folded on the table and his head is buried between them. "...Mic's fault...alk a lo..." he mumbles but Toshi can't make out any of what he says.

"You're mumbling Aizawa," he teases, amused by this unfamiliar side of the stoic teacher.

Aizawa huffs in response and lifts his head. "I said that it's Mic's fault I talk a lot when I drink. It's always been his way of getting me to talk. Sorry."

"There's no need to apologize, though we should both probably get home and rest," he suggests.

Aizawa hums in agreement, thinking that he's had just enough to drink so that he'll pass out when he gets home. The principal also informed them that movers would be stopping by tomorrow to help the teachers relocate to campus ahead of the students, so he had all that to take care of as well. He reaches for his wallet only to see that All Might had flagged down their waitress and given her his card.

"You really didn't have to do that," he says and hangs his head so that his hair covers his face that's flushed from the drink and embarrassment.

"Think of it as my way of saying thank you, Aizawa. After all, I'm sure Recovery Girl must have put you up to something for you do agree to us sharing a flat on campus."

Aizawa merely shrugs. "Just to check up on you and make sure that you're eating a little something here and there. If you ask me, I think she intends on tailing you once classes resume just to make sure," he chuckles.

Toshi thanks the waitress when she returns his card then sets a takeout box and bag on the table. Aizawa helps him put the leftover food inside then loosely ties the bag closed and hands it to him. Outside the restaurant, they bid each other goodnight and head in opposite directions one final time before they move into their new home.

AN: What’s up guys?! If you’re enjoying this story of mine and want to see EraserMight art and such you should check out the erasermight fans discord channel here.

[promptbomb]

Ink and Paint : Chapter 2

Pairing: Ryan Haywood x Reader Previous Chapters:  One Word Count: 1,593  Prompt: You came to Los Santos to pursue a dream of becoming a tattoo artist. Things haven’t quite worked out as you planned and now you find yourself working a graveyard shift at Pandemonium Ink. Things are typically quiet, that is until one of the cities most infamous criminals come through the door. 

The ringing of your phone coincides with breaking news interrupting your binge of San Andreas Diners and Dives.

You mute the tv just as a headline crawls across the bottom of the screen, Del Perro Freeway Car Chase, but you’re more focused on your brother’s name flashing on the caller id and the gnawing you feel in your stomach as you reluctantly answer. The conversation follows a pretty standard format; a greeting, small talk about each other’s lives, until ultimately asking if you had talked to your mom recently. He knew that you hadn’t of course, he lived at home after all, and you were sure your mom was hovering around him, waiting for a chance to sneak herself into the conversation.

The relationship between you and your mother was strained, more so since you moved to Los Santos. She had never approved of your interest in art and had only tolerated you working for your uncle’s parlor because you had told her you were saving up money to enroll in online courses for Medical Coding. Boy, she angry when she found out the truth. She had done everything, save locking you in the basement, to keep you from leaving. You knew that she probably had good intentions, but she was absolutely lousy in trying to show them.

When you hear her asking your brother to hand her the phone you make an excuse that you’re late for work and hang up. At least it wasn’t completely untrue, you had agreed to take on a last-minute late shift at one of your part time jobs, a little sandwich stands named Ruth’s. It didn’t pay well but the tips were decent enough and the owner, a little old lady who the stand was named after, was very sweet, almost a pseudo mother figure, who never failed to send you home with a nice meal when she thought you were looking a little thin.

Ruth was there when you showed up, her short stature barely visible over the counter and no doubt recovering from the lunch rush. It looked like a good day, at least that’s what you gather by all the fry baskets and plastic cups left on the tables outside the stand. Instinctively, you bust them down, tossing the trash into the bin as you call out to Ruth to draw her attention away from a small black and white tv balanced on the counter. “What you watching there?”

“Oh, the news.” That figures, after all, the only channels she got on that antique were local. “They’re talking about that car chase from earlier.”

“I saw something about that when I was getting ready.” You say as you tie an apron around your waist, walking up to look over her shoulder at the grainy picture. You see the chief police talking at a podium with about a dozen microphones shoved into his face. He didn’t appear to be happy. “I take it that they didn’t catch them.”

She brushes you away with a playful flick of a towel, “What? Those morons? They couldn’t catch a cold.” You snicker and she continues. “You know, back when Augustus and I first came here it was such a lovely city.”

“When was that again?”

“Watch it,” she says and shakes a crooked finger at your playful rib. “You may not believe it but this used to be a city of dreams. You didn’t even have to lock your doors.”

You had heard it all before. Los Santos certainly had its problems with crime, but what big city didn’t? The pristine utopia that Ruth often described was no doubt tainted by nostalgia, but it was cute to watch her reminisce about old times. “I don’t know, a little dirt gives the city personality at least.”

“Personality? You think those delinquents running the streets have an inkling of personality? They’re just running around, causing chaos. At least the criminals in my day had some class and kept their dealings behind closed doors.”

“Well, I’m sure the cities finest will catch up with them next time,” you say as you catch a glimpse of one of the mugshots, a dapper looking mustached man, before she turns off the tv as a new customer walks up.

You opt to stay with Ruth until closing, helping her clean up and shut down just as it begins to get dark. You made enough with tips to splurge on a cab, it would give you some extra time to clean up before heading to Pandemonium. Yet, despite your earnest protest, Ruth splurges on the ride for you as thanks for coming in on short notice and for staying later than you expected to. The ride from Ruth’s to your apartment building is a short one and, along the way, you’re surprised when you get a call, from Pandemonium no less.

“Yo.” Bruno’s deep voice bellows as you answer. Bruno was one of the daytime artists and typically who you interacted with the most between shifts, a sort of changing of the guards as he chucked the keys at you and reminded you to lock up the safe. The fact that he was calling was extremely rare.

“Hey. What’s up?”

“Yeah. Someone called and asked for yous. Yous specifically.” Your brow quirks, he sounds almost as surprised as you are. “Said yous guys had a consultation a couple weeks ago.”

Your mind races through your memory like a Rolodex, trying to remember. A couple weeks ago? A consultation? Nothing comes to mind. Nothing except- “Oooh. Huh.”

“What’s that?” Bruno asks.

“Nothing. Just, this one guy did come in but we...we couldn’t come to an agreement. It wasn’t even that much of a consultation.”

“Well, if it’s the same guy yous must have made some sort of impression. Said he was coming by tonight.” Great. You hadn’t really thought about that awkward encounter since it had happened. With the way he stormed out you just assumed that was the end of it. “Yous remember what he wanted, yeah?”

“I think so, yeah. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll try to make it in a little earlier to set up.” Bruno grumbles a farewell and your conversation ends a few minutes shy of the cab pulling up to your apartments.

A quick shower and a change of clothes and you’re sitting on the couch sketching. Roses. You remember that he wanted roses, a memorial for a friend. But that was all. You didn’t have a clue where he wanted the tattoo placed, what style, if he wanted color or black and gray. Maybe he didn’t want anything at all. You realize you could be doing a bunch of work for no reason if he simply wanted to come in and show you a tattoo he got someplace else as a means to remind you of your poor customer service. You don’t regret it, though. You still stand by what you said.

You toss your sketchbook on the table in defeat; there was no point in trying to draw something before you even knew what he wanted. You lay back on the couch and glance at the tv, seeing that they’re still talking about the care chase this morning, or at least that’s what you assume as you see the same dapper looking mustache man mugshot from earlier on screen morph into a full lineup of several wanted criminals.

That’s when you see him.

Disheveled hair, ripped jacket, a face completely smeared in paint, yet the recollection of those blue eyes washes over you like a bucket of ice water. Stunned, you roll off the couch and into the floor, nearly missing cracking your head against the table before managing to get to your feet to draw closer to the tv screen. There was no mistaking it. The man in the mugshot, labeled only with an alias of Vagabond, was the same man that you had talked to. The same man you had pissed off. The same man that was coming to see you tonight.

“Shiiiiit.”

Logic told you that no one would call ahead to let you know they were coming if they intended to do you harm. At least that’s what you had to tell yourself in some way of psyching yourself up to go to work. You no sooner get through the door before Bruno and a couple of other artists are on their way out. If you didn’t think Bruno would laugh in your face if you asked him to stay you might have asked. Fat chance he’d be of any help if things turned sour. Even if he believed you he’d be more likely to call the cops and the thought of getting in any deeper than what you already were was none too appealing.

So you settle on running business as usual. If anything the element of surprise was off the table and if you felt threatened, well, that’s what the baseball bat was for. Still, the waiting game had your stomach in knots. You had no idea when the Vagabond was going to show up, or what mood he would be in for that matter. You had to admire his moxie, though; instead of laying low after a high profile car chase he’s out, living like it was just an everyday occurrence. Well, you suppose it could easily be madness as much as it could be moxie.

The hours tick away and you actually have to shake yourself awake when you hear the door open.

[captain-zajjy]

Solstice, Chapter 2 - A Final Fantasy XV Story

Pairing: Ignis x Female Original Character

AO3 | Chapter 1

Both Valeria and her mother had received invitations to attend the party at the Citadel to commemorate the signing of the treaty with the Empire. But work didn’t pause for politics, so Valeria found herself getting ready in her office suite at a few minutes past seven, doing the best she could with her hair and makeup in the small, poorly lit bathroom, mildly annoyed that she had missed out on her evening jog.

Her mother was already at the party and sent the family driver back to pick her up. The Citadel was draped in black and gold, no expense spared on decorations and catering, and predictably packed, a veritable catalog of Lucis’s best and brightest (save the Crown Prince, of course). Valeria recognized most of the Lucian guests from similar events in the past, but she was surprised to see Kingsglaive uniforms on all the guards.

But it was a special occasion, after all. And the party was crawling with Niffs. White and red garbed Imperials dotted the crowd, and it was strained smiles and awkward pleasantries all around; just because they were now at peace didn’t mean either side had to like it.

Valeria caught sight of her mother’s dark bobbed hair among the crowd and, after greeting several women with whom she’d gone to school, made her way across the ballroom.

“Ah, my lovely daughter, Valeria,” her mother said smoothly, introducing several people Valeria recognized as potential investors. That explained why her mother was laughing at all their bad jokes. Valeria smiled and played along, but she was relieved when the men moved on to the bar.

Her mother immediately turned off the charm and gave her daughter an appraising once-over. “Why didn’t you wear that new black dress?”

Because I didn’t choose it for myself, Valeria thought. Going on twenty-three years old and her mother still tried to pick out her clothes. It was embarrassing. Aloud, she said, “I just like this one.”

Her mother frowned, as if to say navy blue was somehow too ostentatious, but blessedly let it go.

Instead, she said pointed to the little leather bag attached to Valeria’s wrist containing her phone, ID, lipstick, and some gil if she needed to call a cab to make a quick exit. “Get someone to check that. Your phone makes you so antisocial.”

Valeria spread her hands in exasperation. “Anything else I’m doing wrong?”

“Oh, hush.” Her mother gave her a playful swat on the arm. “You look very nice. Did you see Godric Octavio over there? Why don’t you go say hello? I can’t believe a handsome young man like that is still single.”

That’s because he’s an insufferable shit. Godric Octavio was indeed quite handsome, perhaps even better-looking than the Crown Prince himself. The Octavio family shared a common ancestry with the Caelum dynasty, claiming descent from the eighth son of some ancient and virile king, and the resemblance was still there to some degree. Valeria didn’t care about any of that, but if it would get her mother off her back…

“Fine,” she muttered.

“Don’t slouch, dear.” Her mother always had to have the last word.

Valeria migrated over to where Godric Octavio was attempting to flirt with some poor serving girl.

“Hello, Godric,” she said cordially. The waitress gave her a grateful look and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Godric hungrily took in Valeria’s appearance with heavily-lidded eyes. He’d clearly taken advantage of the open bar.

“Valeria Soleil,” he slurred, pushing a lock of dark hair out of his eyes. “You’re looking good. Way better than high school,” he added, gaze glued to her chest.

Charming. Valeria ignored the sudden, overwhelming urge to take a bath and forced a smile.

“How kind of you to say.” Much as she wanted to, she couldn’t be outright rude to him - that would inevitably make its way back to her mother and then she’d never hear the end of it. But that didn’t mean she had to be nice.

“I’m surprised to find you all alone over here,” she said with a dark smile. “Don’t tell me you’re losing your touch.” At the Academy, Godric had always, always been surrounded by a gaggle of girls.

Something coherent flashed behind his eyes, a recognition that ‘oh, we’re going to play this game,’ before they glazed back over with drink. Before he could respond, an ear-splitting rumble shook the roof above them.

Valeria jumped, startled, but let out a laugh when she looked through a window and saw a hundred sparkling points of light blanketing the nighttime sky.

“Let’s check out the show,” Godric said, taking her arm. “And make both our mothers happy.”

That made Valeria smirk. She followed her escort out onto the terrace, ignoring the way he kept bumping into her as they walked. Along with the rest of the party-goers, she watched the impressive fireworks display heralding Lucis’s peace with the Nifleheim Empire. And she might have even enjoyed it, if not for Godric trying to slip an arm around her hips.

“You know, you never gave me the time of day back in school. Heh heh...I bet us being here like this now would really piss Scientia off.” When Valeria turned to frown at him, Godric drained the remains of his drink. “Where is old four-eyes anyway? Not here, obviously, since he’s not up your ass.”

That gave her pause. Were they really so obvious that even a blockhead like Godric Octavio had taken notice? Not that they ever did anything other than socialize, anyway. He’s drunk, she reminded herself. And trying to get a rise out of you.

In response to his question, Valeria shrugged, trying to look indifferent. “Out of town, I guess.” No one needed to know that she’d spoken with Ignis on the phone just yesterday.

“I never could stand that smug son of a bitch,” Godric muttered. “Always walking around like he was hot shit, all because he works for the Prince.”

“Well, the feeling was mutual, I assure you.” Valeria turned back to the fireworks, trying to squash the little bead of irritation that cropped up at someone badmouthing Ignis. Were it socially acceptable, Scientia would kick your ass, she thought with a smile.

She wondered if he was back on the road to Altissia now. He’d texted her several times to tell her that the car had broken down, but mostly to lament the Prince’s lackadaisical attitude toward the whole affair.

Poor Iggy. Did all royal chamberlains have to deal with this sort of thing, or had he been saddled with a particularly difficult charge? Valeria had texted him back with the hopeful reminder that, at the very least, he’d be getting help from Lady Lunafreya soon.

Godric wandered off in search of another drink, or maybe another female, as the fireworks continued to pop and crackle overhead. Unsurprisingly, it seemed they’d pulled out all the stops with the display, each wave of light getting brighter and louder than before. The force of the it had even started to shake the furniture on the terrace, plates and glasses rattling against tabletops.

A massive boom actually knocked some of the decorations over, and caused Valeria to sway slightly on her feet. She looked around her then, seeing faltering smiles and hearing nervous laughter. If this was part of the show, maybe the were overdoing it a bit.

A deafening crack sounded, and the floor suddenly fell away from her feet. No, this wasn’t part of the show. This was wrong. Very wrong.

When Valeria next blinked, her face was inches from the floor tiles and screams filled her ringing ears. She pushed herself to her feet, strangely fixated with the tear in her pantyhose and the little bit of blood welling up on her knee. Another blow sent her sprawling into a serving cart, and she found herself mumbling an apology to no one in particular as she picked herself back up.

In front of her, a corner of the terrace had simply vanished. People were covered in plaster, dust, and splintered wood. Some were moving; many were not. In the midst of the rubble she made out the bloody ruin of half of Godric Octavio’s handsome face.

Valeria stared at the scene before her uncomprehending, like there was some disconnect between her eyes and brain. A tug on her arm and her name being shouted in her ear drew her attention away from the horror.

“Valeria, we have to go.” Her mother grabbed her hand.

Valeria blinked at her. “Mom, what…?”

“Now, Valeria.” Valeria allowed herself to be lead along by the hand like a small child, trying to fathom just what was happening. The building continued to rumble and shake. A huge mass of people clogged the entrance to the stairwell, pushing, screaming, shouting.

“Move!” Valeria’s mother was shorter than her daughter, and rail thin, but she shoved people aside with the ease of a man twice her size, pulling Valeria through the crowd and fighting their way down the stairs.

A siren began to blare, not just in the building, but throughout the city. Valeria had never heard it before, but its meaning was clear: Get out. Run.

Her mother stepped over a splayed body on the landing, pulling Valeria along when she balked. Sorry, she wanted to say to the unfortunate person. Maybe they should stop and help, but she was too afraid to do anything but follow where her mother pulled her.

They tumbled out into the city street along with the handful of others who had managed to make it all the way out of the building. The air seemed almost like a solid mass, thick with smoke and dust. Beneath the drone of the emergency siren was the whir of engines overhead, the rat-a-tat of gunfire and boom of explosives.

With one hand clinging to her mother and the other clasped over her mouth in a vain attempt to the filter the choking air and stem her coughing, Valeria ran, trusting her mother to understand what was going on, to lead them to safety. The city of Insomnia was no longer recognizable, like they had been plucked up by an invisible hand and dropped into a warzone, the faraway kind she read about in the newspapers, not where she lived. Not the impenetrable Crown City.

As they rounded the corner of a narrow alley, her mother skidded to a halt, and Valeria collided with her back. In front of them eerie red lights hovered in the gloom, and there was a clattering of metal on metal as mechanical men emerged from the fog with rifles drawn…

Gunfire rang out and Valeria felt her body being shoved aside, searing pain ripping through her left shoulder. Her mother twisted and spun, her body hanging in the air for what seemed like an impossibly long time before crumpling bonelessly to the ground.

Valeria crawled over to her on her knees. Her mother’s dark eyes were rolled to the back of her head, the grey dust covering her body punctuated by at least a dozen bloody, red holes.

“Mom!” Valeria screamed, shaking her. “Mama! Mama!”

Run. It was her mother’s voice, not coming from the body Valeria clutched, but firm and commanding, directly in her ear. Run.

Valeria looked up and saw the magitek soldiers reloading their rifles. Run.

She dropped her mother’s body and took off, back down the alley. She ran and ran, tears stinging her eyes, smoke filling her lungs, not stopping for anyone or anything in the streets. She might have even been running in circles for all she knew, but eventually found herself on a broken causeway where the fog wasn’t as thick, where far off in the distance she could see what remained of the Wall.

Eventually her legs gave out and she fell to her knees, left arm hanging limp and numb. Her entire left side was covered in blood. Oh, she thought, feeling strangely detached. They shot me.

When the adrenaline started to wear off, she began to shake, her left side seized up in pain, and she collapsed on the pavement. Valeria couldn’t say how long she laid there, trying to find the moon and stars through the haze. By the time they came for her, her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth and nothing hurt anymore.

She found herself being scooped up by metal arms clad in white and red, muffled voices saying something about the ‘medicus.’ She wanted to fight back, kick and scream at them for killing her mother, but she couldn’t move.

They’re going to kill me too, she thought, as she was dumped into the back of some sort of vehicle. Was there even anyone left who would care? The company might erect some kind of memorial in her honor, and people would say she was taken too young, say she had so much potential, but they wouldn’t actually grieve her loss. Her father and Ignis might, but they both had their own lives, complete without her in them. That thought somehow made her sadder than the idea of her impending demise.

And with that sense of loneliness, the darkness enveloped her, smooth and cold and comforting.

Despite their numerous misadventures, Ignis had to admit he was enjoying his time on the road. It was good to stretch his legs, to actually wander the wilds outside of the city instead of reading about them in books, to finally put all that combat training with the Marshal to good use.

Noctis remained ambivalent as ever, but Prompto and Gladiolus seemed to genuinely enjoy and appreciate his cooking at camp and compliment his skills on the battlefield. Ignis didn’t do these things for praise, of course - it was all part of his job - but it nonetheless felt good to be acknowledged by his friends.

And so he woke (before the others, of course) with a particular sense of fullness, not pertaining to food or hunger, but a contentment of the heart and soul. His intention was to watch the sunrise over Galdin Quay with a good cup of Ebony in hand before they embarked on the ferry for Altissia and Noctis’s wedding. He had a suspicion this might be the last chance he had to relax for a while.

As it was, his hunch proved correct, but for reasons he never could have predicted.

Strangely, he found the coffee counter empty - it may have been early, but Galdin Quay was a luxury resort and staff worked around the clock. After several minutes and several impatient knocks on the counter, a young barista shambled over, her eyes red as if she’d been crying. Ignis supposed she must have been dumped by her boyfriend or some such and decided not to complain, but before he could open his mouth she spoke.

“I’m sorry, uh...for the wait. It’s just-” Ignis thought she might start weeping again, but the girl managed to keep it together. “My brother was in Insomnia. He was so excited about his new job in the city...I’m sorry. I’m sorry. You just want your coffee, don’t you, sir?”

Ignis felt something churning in the pit of his stomach, the instinctive sense that something had gone horribly, terribly wrong.

“Has...something happened in Insomnia?”

The way the color drained from her face indicated he was right to fear asking the question.

“You don’t know?” she whispered. “Six, you’re not...are you from there?”

Ignis nodded, his bad feeling evolving into full-blown panic, but he managed to keep it inside. “What’s happened?” he demanded. The girl pointed a shaking finger at the newsstand next to the counter that had somehow managed to escape his notice during his quest for coffee. Ignis picked up the morning’s paper.

Insomnia Falls. He blinked, adjusted his glasses, but the words remained. Beneath the headline was a photo of, presumably, a street in the city filled with rubble and covered with ash. The unmistakable red lights of Imperial craft were just visible through a thick shroud of smoke.

He collapsed onto the nearest stool, his mind racing to comprehend what was in front of him. An Imperial invasion...the Treaty signing...a trap...King Regis dead. Ignis looked back up at the barista and she nodded without a sound. Yes, it’s real. It’s all real.

“Keep it,” she said, gesturing at the newspaper. “And this is also on the house.” The steaming mug of coffee she placed before him had lost all its appeal, what with the massive lump forming in his throat.

His first instinct was to go and immediately wake the others, to let them know the horrible news, but he stopped himself from getting up. Let them - especially the Prince - get a few more hours of blissfully ignorant rest before the course of their lives was forever altered.

Instead, he got out his phone and dialed his uncle, then Valeria, then half a dozen other people he knew had been in the city last night. Each number went directly to voicemail. Of course, he thought. Whether directly or through collateral damage, the Empire would have destroyed most of the cell phone towers serving the city.

That realization didn’t exactly ease his concerns, but for now, he had to believe they still lived. The Prince remained his priority, perhaps more than ever, for if they’d killed the King, the Imperials surely would not be content to just let his heir go on living. At least for Noctis, he could still do something, could still protect and comfort him.

Val, he thought, be safe. Be strong. All he could do for her now was hope.

[beatricethecat2]

if/then (2.0) - 4

Snow day here in NYC!! So I snuck chapter 3 up a few days ago and promised a swift chapter 4, so here it is. It still needs tweaking but I think is good enough to go for now. A big thanks to those of you still reading, I really appreciate you being along for the ride! Edited a bunch 4/1.

Previously: part 1, part 2, part 3

Read first if you are new! gutted/sorted and wax/wane…if/then is a continuation of those two.

//////////////////////

An arm stretches across the bed as a low murmur nudges Myka awake, but cold, wrinkly sheets greet her where Helena once lay. Her ears perk up further at a shuffling sound behind the door, and she smiles at the hint of bacon in the air; Helena and Christina must be preparing breakfast, just like old times.

Taking a rare moment for herself, she rolls onto her back and closes her eyes, calling forth pleasant memories from last night. Aggressions immediately fell away as the desire to touch and be touched grew; hands and mouths wandered eagerly, rousing tender spots left unattended for so long. It's heartening beyond measure their bodies knew what to do; if intimacy proved as difficult as everything else lately, she'd be at a loss for a remedy.

Her muscles groan in protest as she slides out of bed, last night's activities and her lack of sleep catching up with her all at once. She throws on a loose t-shirt and pajama bottoms then slowly opens the door, pausing at its threshold to assess the scene.

Helena stands in the kitchen, facing the stove, spatula in hand, humming softly, while Christina’s positioned to her right, popping bread into the toaster, teetering precariously on several books. After a few moments of lurking, Myka pads quietly across the room and snakes her arms around Helena's midriff, brushing her nose against Helena’s ear.

"Good morning," she says, almost as a whisper.

Helena leans into Myka's arms and turns until their lips touch, initiating a steamy good morning kiss. A crackly pop breaks their connection, and Helena turns back to her task; Myka rests her chin on Helena's shoulder and pulls her close.

"I thought it fitting we cook at least once while you're here," Helena says with a hint of excitement in her voice.

"We went to the offy!" Christina says, out of the blue.

“The what?"

"Off license. Corner shop. The bodegas of the Great Britain, “ Helena explains. “We decided an English breakfast was in order, but our options were limited at the shop. Luckily this flat provided many essentials already."

Myka looks towards Christina, eyes lingering on item next to her on the counter. “What are you up to over there?”

“I’m making toast for the toast rack,” Christina says cheerfully. She catches a slice as it pops, slathers butter on its surface then cuts it in half before placing it vertically in the rack.

“Standard fare for B&B’s across the U.K. As are tea cozies,” Helena says nodding toward the table.

Myka looks over her shoulder and snickers at the duck shaped lump of fabric surrounded by a sea of condiments.

“Christina wants one in the shape of a cat,” Helena says with a smirk.

“I’m sure they exist,” Myka says, eyes the searching the counter.

“No coffee?”

“Strong tea. The owners of this flat seem to ascribe to a certain sense of Englishness.”

Myka withdraws her arms and takes a step back, pouting as Helena looks over her shoulder.

“It's not proper.”

“I'll get coffee on the way to work.”

Helena grimaces, lips pressing together tightly as she turns back to the stove. “Exactly how long will you be today?”

“N-not long. A few hours. Then I’m free.”

“Free,” Helena repeats, the word sounding like a puff of air.

Helena’s shoulders droop, spatula stilling over the frying pan and Myka scrambles for an out before Helena’s lost contemplating a deeper meaning of the word.

“Is that Marmite?” she says, walking briskly towards the table, plucking the jar from the spread.

“A British staple. Have you tried it?”

“Yeah. At your old apartment. It’s awful.” Myka sticks out her tongue and scrunches up her nose.

“It’s an acquired taste. Christina's quite fond of it, aren't you, love?”

“Yum!” Christina says, licking her lips, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet, nearly slipping off the pile of books.

“She is her mother’s daughter.”

“She’s quite fond of you as well,” Helena says, coming up beside Myka, setting a plate on the table, then giving her a warm, wet kiss on the cheek. “Sit. Eat. You must be ravenous after last night.”

Myka’s cheeks warm at Helena's suggestion; she sits as instructed and pours herself some tea.

“Christina, toast,” Helena says, then strides back to the stove.

Christina lifts the overly full toast rack off the counter and carefully carries it to the table, smiling winningly as she sets it down without a hitch. Helena slides a steaming plate in front of her and she hops on a chair, lunging across the table to grab the Marmite.

Helena remains stationed behind Christina, hands gripping the back of her seat, watching closely as she struggles to twist the jar open. Christina squeezes her eyes shut and clenches her teeth, small hands grappling with the lid, grunting adorably to signal her effort.

Myka watches the pair closely, thinking it's odd when Helena doesn’t move to assist. She's tempted to reach over and help, but Helena's body language gives her pause; eyes focused yet somehow distant, fingers digging into the back of the chair, Helena's clearly lost in something beyond the task at hand.

“Mom, can you open this?” Christina asks.

“Certainly,” Helena replies, springing automatically into action. She removes the lid with a minimum of effort then sets the jar in front of Christina; Christina eagerly dips her knife into the condiment.

"Where'd you go?" Myka asks, looking worriedly at Helena.

Helena looks at Myka, her murky eyes clearing as their gazes meet.

“Ghosts of English breakfast’s past, I suppose,” Helena says, quietly, her attentions returning to Christina spreading the dark brown substance over her toast.

“The Marmite,” Helena continues, "When I was a child we had a ritual of sorts. If anyone interfered with my quest to open it, I'd make a fuss. They learned to ignore my efforts until I asked for help. Even Charles..."

Helena’s eyes glass over as she watches Christina eat; Myka tries but fails to come up with a comforting response. Helena smooths down Christina’s hair and gives her shoulders a light pat, then steps off toward the stove.

Myka pushes her chair back slowly, eyes following Helena, rising after glancing at Christina is ensure she's immersed in her meal.

“Are you ok?” Myka asks as she comes up behind to Helena.

Helena lowers her head.

“Talk to me,” Myka says, noting a glimmer of moisture gathering at the corner of Helena’s eye.

“I'm afraid...” Helena begins, turning to face Christina, “afraid I won't survive her departure."

Myka’s chest aches at Helena’s admission; she knew this was coming, it was a just question of when. Moving quickly to quell Helena's fears, she sweeps a dark lock behind Helena's ear and kisses her softly on the cheek.

“We'll be back. Really soon. So soon, you won't even know we’re gone.”

“I wish that were true,” Helena says, lips tightening as they strain to form a small smile. She rests her head on Myka’s shoulder and slips her arms around her waist.

"If we've stolen off by morning, know we've gone to the Black Mountains until she's grown."

Myka snickers, once, then circles an arm around Helena’s shoulders and pulls her close. She kisses the top of her head and looks toward Christina.

“Why isn’t anybody eating?” Christina says, her gaze vacillating between Helena and Myka. "The toast is getting cold."

“Fair assessment,” Helena says, raising a brow at Myka.

“On it,” Myka says, kissing Helena briefly on the lips before joining Christina at the table.

------------------

As the train lumbers forward, Myka sits quietly, smiling at the appropriate times, half listening as Helena indulges Christina in an abridged history of the Tube. They’re taking "public transport" for “authenticity’s sake;” Helena planned a special trip today, though their exact destination has not been disclosed.

As Helena’s tale segues into the War, Myka tunes out; mind drifting through the ups and downs of the last twenty-four hours. She silently thanks Christina for charming the waitstaff last night, her levity more than welcome after another questionable afternoon.

She smiles remembering their high spirits post dinner; Christina was served a special dessert and repeated its name over and over in the cab, spurring an impromptu rhyming game between herself and Helena. "Aam Shrikhand" morphed onto “yam treacle” but “ham sandwich” won as the favorite of the bunch and will no doubt become shorthand for the evening. Back in the flat, after a giddy tickling match, Christina, for once, was easily coerced into bed.

After tucking Christina in, Myka followed Helena like a puppy to the bedroom; clothes were shed and kisses initiated without a word being spoken. All seemed to be forgiven, but yesterday afternoon still haunts her thoughts; she hopes to smooth things over before their flight home later today.

“You look pleased,” Helena said as Myka strolled out of the gallery.

“I am,” Myka gushed, grinning as wide and bright as could be.

“What’s the occasion?”

“Private sale.”

Helena raised a brow and tilted her head.

“Something big.“

“Do tell.”

“I…" Myka began, her smile shrinking at the tightness in Helena’s eyes. “...can’t."

“Mom, can I run to that tree and back?” Christina asked, tugging on Helena’s hand.

Helena glanced at the tree, then down at Christina. “Go.”

Christina hopped once, then took off across the sidewalk.

“A covert sale,” Helena clarified, looking straight at Myka.

“Just…discreet. I’m doing research, nothing glamorous."

“You’ve been removed from the Italian account?” Helena's eyes followed Christina as she whizzed past.

“No. In addition to. But it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“They always are,” Helena said, with a dismissive wave of her hand.

“Hey. This is a big deal for me,” Myka countered, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I understand, but these sorts of sales are questionable at best.”

A wayward giggle broke the tension, and all eyes followed Christina as she circled around, a hand grazing both Helena and Myka's legs as she passed.

“It’s Mrs. Frederic. She’s reputable,” Myka said as Christina ran back towards the tree.

“Do you recall Denver? Your motives were honorable but the situation not as such.”

“This is different.”

“Exactly how?”

“Because it’s not a—” Myka stopped herself, her stomach knotting at consciously withholding information; she wished she could tell Helena, she really did. “Do you want me to not do it?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“What are you saying?”

“You’re already overtaxed.”

“This could easily be my ticket to a job here. And the commission…”

Myka trailed off as Christina crashed into her Helena's leg and, panting heavily, wrapped her arms around her thigh. Helena looked down at her and smiled, placing a hand on her head.

“I didn’t realize you could be bought,” Helena said, angling her eyes up at Myka.

“I…” Myka started, eyes flicking towards a wildly grinning Christina. "We’d fall on our feet.”

Myka held Helena's cool gaze, eager for approval, but was met with a wary lowering of a brow.

“I’m hungry,” Christina said.

“As am I,” Helena answered. “Fish and chips?”

Christina nodded.

“All change,” Helena announces, kicking Myka out of her introspective haze. She grabs her bag and rises, hurrying to follow Helena and Christina out of the train car.

Christina hops up the stairs, one at a time, counting as she goes; Myka and Helena trail behind.

“Are you alright?” Helena asks. “You’re rather quiet this morning."

"Just thinking," Myka says, putting thoughts of yesterday away. "I wish we weren’t leaving today.”

“Likewise,” Helena says, threading her fingers through Myka’s and squeezing tightly.

They emerge from the Tube onto a narrow but busy two-way street.

“A few blocks this way,” Helena says and chases after Christina, who has taken off down the street. She grabs hold of Christina's hand, and when Myka catches up, they all turn at an intersection.

Myka sizes up the neighborhood as they walk; it’s a commercial street with a smattering of touristy shops, but the overall tendency caters to a slightly upscale, eclectic crowd.

“Unfortunately, the market’s not on today, but the shops are open,” Helena says.

Myka spies a street sign and her face lights up. “This is where you grew up,” she says.

“Mum’s stall was right over there.” Helena points a finger and releases Christina, who has been straining to break free.

“You remember?"

“Little outright, but there were photos. I was younger than Christina when we left.”

“Mom!” Christina blurts, pressing her face to the glass of a nearby shop. As Myka and Helena approach her, Christina steps away, revealing a fuzzy ball sleeping inside the window display.

“Can we go in? I miss Dewy.”

“On our way back,” Helena says and takes hold of Christina’s hand again.

They saunter down the street, searching for felines in random windows, then turn a corner into residential territory. Helena stops in front of a three-story Victorian row house.

“This is where we lived, in the bottom flat. Quite modest with a lovely back garden.” She surveys the block, her eyes lingering on a new building across the street, its modernist style incongruent to the rest. "The area was a mite scrappier back then, or so I’ve been told."

“By who?"

“Neighbors. And other vendors. When I returned from Europe to finish school, I rented in a flat nearby and sought out anyone who remembered my parents. I’m sure they’ve all gone by now.” Helena scans the street again, this time as if looking for familiar markers.

“You never know,” Myka says, linking her arm through Helena's, drawing her close. Helena lays her head on Myka's shoulder and closes her eyes.

“Jungle gym!” Christina shouts, running toward Helena and Myka while pointing at the end of the street.

Helena lifts her head and smiles, glancing sidewards at Myka. “Righty-ho, then,” she says, and tugs on Myka’s arm.

Christina runs off.

“You like it here, don’t you?” Myka says as they amble toward the park. "You seem…relaxed."

“That may be a result of last night,” Helena says, leaning into Myka.

Myka pushes back, gently, and smirks.

“I suppose I do,” Helena says, looking around.

“Maybe we can live here."

Helena scoffs. “Far too pricey for the likes of us these days.”

“But this sale will lead to bigger opportunities,” Myka says, with genuine optimism.

“I might be convinced if you'd tell me what it’s for,” Helena says, elbowing Myka in the ribs, blinking coquettishly.

“Helena, I…"

“No matter,” Helena says, squeezing Myka’s arm with her elbow. “Let us not count on such tentative bounties.”

“But I want to set us up for the future.”

“That’s a tall order. It shouldn’t all be on you."

The conversation quiets as they stride into the park, and they stand watching Christina play in silence. When Helena starts to worry her locket, Myka stills her hand; Helena turns to look Myka in the eye.

“Claudia asked if you’d had any unpleasant dreams while you were here.”

“Stress dreams,” Myka says, drawing back her hand but keeping hold of Helena’s gaze. "I told her not to say anything.”

“Why ever not?”

“You have enough to worry about.”

Helena looks down, lips puffing out as she lets out a long exhale. “You haven’t visited the site of the fire yet, have you."

“I-I haven’t had time.”

“You must.”

“I will. But being here will help."

“Temporarily,” Helena says, swinging around to face Myka, taking hold of her hands. “With so much of your life up in the air, you need closure. Make a plan; ask Claudia or Abigail to accompany you."

Myka lowers her head and nods; Helena’s serious if she’s suggesting Abigail. She frees her hands from Helena's and laces their fingers together.

“Thank you for bringing me here. I love learning about your past.”

Helena rubs her thumb over Myka’s knuckles. “Yesterday’s breakfast left me feeling sentimental.”

“Mom! Push me on the swing,” Christina commands, barreling towards them from the jungle gym. She grabs hold of Helena’s forearm and tugs.

“Yes, ma'am,” Helena says, hands slipping from Myka’s as she's dragged towards to swings.

Myka smiles at the sight of Christina egging Helena on, swinging higher and higher, shrieking in delight as her tolerance tops out. As the spectacle subsides, her gaze wanders across the park, toward the three-story terraced houses lining the street. She imagines living there; soft light illuminating well-worn rooms through tall picture windows, Christina playing safely the garden, Dewy snuggled under the duvet in her and Helena’s room. How uplifting calling somewhere home will be, she thinks; this is her goal, this is where they need to be.

When her attention returns to the swings, she finds Helena staring back at her. Her stomach flutters at the bright smile growing on Helena’s lips. She grins back, crookedly, her cheeks warming the longer their eyes stay locked, dumbfounded by how fiercely the affection in Helena’s gaze tugs at her heart. All the messes made on this trip are wiped clean in this moment; she’s certain, no matter how complicated things get, she’ll do whatever it takes to make this work.

-TBC-

[allinadaze]

Sara’s birth story!

Of course I’ve been wanting to journal about my birth with Sara since she was born, but it has been a very busy year indeed!  I haven’t even journaled about her monthly milestones once as I did with Kate, though I’ve been keeping notes which I hope to transfer to journal someday soon.  To be fair, I’ve been documenting her growth via Instagram and Facebook PLENTY, but I’ve been trying to keep things consistent between the two girls.  It turns out a lot has changed in the 4.5 years since Kate was born.  My pregnancy with Sara was completely different, my life and circumstances were different and life after Sara was born has been BUSIER than it’s ever been.  I can hardly keep my head on straight most days, but I feel like I’m finally starting to be able to breathe a little easier now that she’s a year “old.”  

It’s amazing how different my pregnancies were with each of the girls.  While my pregnancy with Kate was relatively easy physically, it was emotionally stressful due to financial reasons, losing my job (a blessing to not have to work much throughout my pregnancy although having to find temp jobs was acutely stressful) court stuff which led to strain on our marriage, etc.  Thank goodness my little Kate was born perfectly and subsequently brought light into our lives.

My pregnancy with Sara, on the other hand, was much easier stress-wise, but much more difficult physically.  It started off with intensity.  Around 6 weeks with the intense headaches, extreme fatigue, insomnia (with Kate, I slept so well) nausea - not just morning sickness, but all day sickness that started to make me feel depressed.  My house had never been such a mess, I struggled to get daily tasks done but I had to keep it together enough to care for my little Kate.  Feeding and caring for her were my top priorities.  I also had to trudge through my work days by reminding myself it was temporary.  I had hoped that it would pass around 12 weeks as the mild nausea I had with Kate did, but this held on for almost 20 weeks.  That’s a long ass time to be feeling sick!  I started to have major empathy for chemotherapy patients.  I tried every natural remedy I’d heard/read about to help with nausea including wearing sea-bands, eating ginger candies, ginger tea, bone broth, using a ginger essential oil rollerball and essential oils in general to help me and Kate sleep… I went through 2 boxes of saltine crackers, ate sourdough toast at night and crackers in bed for breakfast in the morning.  Trader joe’s cream line of yogurts in bed with my little buddy Kate, who was by my side throughout it all… at my worst moments I felt such guilt because I couldn’t take her to all of the things I took her to - going to the park became difficult.  I still took her to the library for preschool storytime most weeks and to her weekly dance class on Fridays.  I couldn’t cook meat for my family.. the thought of the sizzle and the smell was too much.  Speaking of - I was hypersensitive to smells, which made my work even more challenging!  I hated the smell of my home and had a hard time going near the cat box.  Around this time Kate started refusing to poop so I would spend hours in the bathroom with her.  It was an exhausting time.  Around the time the sickness lifted, I was already getting big!  I started showing with Sara it seemed right after I took the pregnancy test!  Whereas I hardly had any maternity clothes with Kate, I needed them early on with sara.  I’m sure all of the crackers and carbs I was eating didn’t help ha!  I was also retaining so much more water, which led to carpal tunnel in both wrists much earlier on.  Around 20 weeks my hands started to go numb at work.  I trudged through and told myself it was temporary.

Around 9 weeks, we got the results that we were having a girl!  We were over the moon as that was my dream - to have two girls.  Sisters.  Dr. Cobb’s office was supposed to call with the first early genetic screening results and when I didn’t hear from them, I called one day while Kate was napping.  She apologized for us not receiving a call and asked if we wanted to know the sex.  We knew we wanted to know, so I said yes and she said “it’s a girl!”  Tears of joy filled my eyes and I texted Pete.  Once again texting some extremely important news, but he was at work so it was the best way.  We were both so so excited.  Kate had pretty much called it anyway, but because my symptoms with this pregnancy were SO different, I thought for sure I must be having a boy.  Turns out none of that stuff means anything.  Every pregnancy is different, regardless of sex and sometimes a person will have all difficult pregnancies, sometimes all easy, sometimes an easy and a hard one or vice versa.  (I had been polling every mama I knew with 2 or more kids to try to find out their experience) I started wearing wrist braces that didn’t help and just trudged on through, thankful I was “only” working part-time.  

Around 5 months we discovered a house for rent in our ideal neighborhood and we decided to go for it.  I had growing concerns about being able to get Evan to and from school with TWO littles at home on different nap schedules and he wasn’t getting any easier to wake up as a teen, plus the thought of not having air conditioning at the end of my pregnancy at the hottest time of year and with a newborn was giving me anxiety, so we were very excited to find this house.  I called and found out there were like 18 other people interested in the home!  We pushed forward, met with the owner, applied and amazingly got the house!  We were so excited, however that meant moving when I was 7 months pregnant.  We got through that, even though I had a hard time walking up stairs at that point and had just enough time to settle in just enough before Sara arrived.

Okay, so back to Sara’s birth story!  Her due date was September 20th, but considering how big I was and how the pregnancy had progressed, I thought for SURE she would come “early” since Kate was only 3 days “late” but she had other plans!  I remember September 11th happened to be a day Kate was in preschool and it was so hot and I was so uncomfortable (thank GOD for a/c!) that I spent a good portion of the day watching 9/11 tributes and documentaries on the History channel, crying and hoping she wouldn’t be born on that day!  Little did I know she had plans to cook for another month!  My “due date” came & went, I tried walking as much as I could even though my feet were so swollen the only shoes that fit were flip flops and some ugly plastic slip on shoes my mom got me from the dollar store.  I was so thankful for those shoes!  And that it was summer so I could wear flip flops!  I took Kate to get her first mommy/daughter pedicure (she chose pink sparkly polish - shocker!) and did as much last minute prep as I could including laundry, organizing, cleaning, buying/prepping easy dinner meals, even went to a death cab for cutie concert 5 days after my due date!  The Monday before she was born, I had an OB appointment where Dr. Cobb attempted to sweep my membranes again - not fun!  I was only dilated to 1cm and he had a hard time attempting to, just as he did a week prior.  At that appointment we decided to book a hospital room for induction the following Sunday (October 4th - our anniversary!) to “reserve the space” so that I wouldn’t go beyond 42 weeks.  I was hoping that would be just the nudge she needed, as hearing the word induction seemed to nudge out Kate.  The next day I scheduled a labor-inducing massage at equilibrio massage that was not cheap, but I figured if nothing else, I would get one last massage for a while out of it!  It was a great massage.  On edge as is usually the case throughout the final months of pregnancy, I went home, tucked Kate into bed (increasingly difficult in her top bunk!) she drew a picture of me in her chalkboard and we went to bed.  Woke up, made her breakfast, got her to preschool and took a shower.  I had been feeling a little more cramping than normal, but nothing that screamed “you’re in labor!”  Took a shower and thought maybe my water had partially broken just as it did with Kate, but I couldn’t really tell since I was in the shower.  Met up with Pete at Dr. Cobb’s office and he tested for amniotic fluid.  I still wasn’t dilated at that point, but he monitored contractions for a bit, which didn’t show anything and said we could head over to the hospital for a better test for amniotic fluid.  At this point we were as ready as we were going to be, so we jumped on that train!  When you hear the word hospital in the final stages, it’s definitely an adrenaline surge.  We went home to get some things, I packed Kate’s lunch for the next day and her overnight bag to stay at Elyse’s house, made arrangements for Jeff to pick up Evan and headed to the hospital!  I was so thankful it started happening while the kids were in school and it was a peaceful entrance into labor/delivery again. When you have other kids at home, the stress of “when is the baby going to come” is heightened because you have to think about arrangements for them and hope to God it’s not at 2am or something like that.  Our arrangements for the kids have jobs and kids too, so I was hoping and praying that timing would work out.  And it did!  

We headed to Pomerado Hospital where they took us into triage and performed another test for amniotic fluid.  I felt a bit more anxious this time, maybe because I knew our family dynamic would drastically change and I wasn’t sure just how Kate or Evan would respond to another baby.